U.S. patent application number 12/457455 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for information processing apparatus, information storing medium and program thereof, and operating device for game machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nintendo Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Kazunori Koshiishi, Kazuo Koshima, Tomotsugu Nagaoka, Shin'ichi Sasamoto.
Application Number | 20090325702 12/457455 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18742218 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090325702 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koshima; Kazuo ; et
al. |
December 31, 2009 |
Information processing apparatus, information storing medium and
program thereof, and operating device for game machine
Abstract
An information processing apparatus includes a controller (1),
and a game machine (2) to which the controller (1) is connected,
and from at least one of a plurality of switches provided on the
controller (1), a digital output or an analog output is obtained in
accordance with an operating state of the switches thereof. A CPU
of the game machine (2) carries out a first processing operation of
game information in response to the analog output, and also carries
out a second processing operation associated with the first
processing operation in response to the digital output.
Inventors: |
Koshima; Kazuo; (Kyoto-shi,
JP) ; Koshiishi; Kazunori; (Kyoto-shi, JP) ;
Sasamoto; Shin'ichi; (Kyoto-shi, JP) ; Nagaoka;
Tomotsugu; (Kyoto-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, P.C.
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Assignee: |
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Kyoto-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
18742218 |
Appl. No.: |
12/457455 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11070204 |
Mar 3, 2005 |
7568975 |
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12457455 |
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10111325 |
Apr 23, 2002 |
7040986 |
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11070204 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/1043 20130101;
A63F 13/06 20130101; A63F 13/24 20140902; A63F 2300/1037 20130101;
A63F 2300/6045 20130101; A63F 2300/8017 20130101; A63F 13/285
20140902; A63F 13/42 20140902; A63F 2300/8076 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/37 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 23, 2000 |
JP |
2000-253067 |
Aug 23, 2001 |
JP |
PCT/JP01/07210 |
Claims
1.-35. (canceled)
36. An operating device for game machine for instructing an action
of a character appearing in a game, comprising: a housing; a main
switch arranged in a vicinity of one side surface on one main
surface of said housing and in a vicinity of a thumb finger of one
hand holding the housing; and a plurality of sub-switches arranged
to be circumferentially distributed around the main switch in an
area excluding a lower area of said main switch and within an area
that the thumb finger is movable, wherein said plurality of
sub-switches are constituted to include a first sub-switch arranged
at an upper area of said main switch, a second sub-switch arranged
at a left area of the main switch, and a third sub-switch arranged
at a right area of the main switch, and each of which has a shape
smaller than a shape of the main switch.
37. An operating device for game machine according to claim 36,
wherein said main switch has a shape formed to be circular, said
first sub-switch is arranged on a concentric circle centering said
main switch.
38. An operating device for game machine according to claim 36,
wherein said first sub-switch is arranged on a first axis which
slants along a longitudinal axis of said housing passing a center
of said main switch toward a center of the housing by a
predetermined degree.
39. An operating device for game machine according to claim 38,
wherein said second sub-switch and said third sub-switch are
arranged at a symmetric position with respect to said first
axis.
40. An operating device for game machine according to claim 36,
wherein said first sub-switch has a key top thereof formed higher
than a key top of said main switch.
41. An operating device for game machine according to claim 36,
wherein one said sub-switch is arranged to be closer to a center
side of said housing than said main switch out of the second
sub-switch and the third sub-switch has a key top thereof formed
lower than a key top of said main switch.
42. An operating device for game machine according to claim 36,
wherein said second and/or third sub-switch has a shape expanding
along an outer periphery of the shape of said main switch.
43. An operating device for game machine according to claim 36,
further comprising a direction designating operating portion which
is arranged in a vicinity of another side surface on one main
surface of said housing and in a vicinity of a position of a thumb
finger of another hand holding the housing, and designates is
configured to designate a direction of a moving direction of a
character appearing in a game.
44. An operating device for game machine according to claim 43,
wherein said main switch has a shape formed to be circular, and
said plurality of sub-switches are arranged on a concentric circle
centering said main switch, and in addition, have a shape extending
to a circumferential direction of the concentric circle.
45. A controller structured to control a game displayed by a
television, comprising: a first element with structure to control a
first two axes of said game; a second element with structure to
control a second two axes of said game; a first button depressible
by a finger of a user and structured to activate switched On/Off
data used to control said game; a second button depressible by a
finger of the user and structured to activate a proportional signal
used to control said game, said second button being an analog
button.
46. A controller according to claim 45 comprising structure to
communicate wirelessly to control said game.
47. An image controller configured to control imagery displayed on
a television, comprising: a first member rotatable on two mutually
perpendicular axes, the rotation being translatable into signals
for controlling the imagery displayed on the television; a finger
depressibie first button configured to output varying signals
dependent upon varying actuation of the first button controlling
the imagery displayed on the television; a motor configured to
provide vibration detectable by a human user holding the
controller; an emitter mounted to the controller configured to
provide wireless communication controlling the imagery displayed on
the television.
48. An image controller according to claim 47 further comprising a
second member rotatable on two mutually perpendicular axes, the
rotation being translatable into signals controlling the imagery
displayed on the television.
49. An image controller according to claim 47 further comprising a
finger depressible second button configured to output varying
signals dependent upon varying actuation of the second button
controlling the imagery displayed on the television.
50. A graphics controller configured to control controlling
imagery, comprising: a first button, the first button positioned on
the graphics controller in a manner such that the first button is
activatable by a single human finger, the first button being
connected to a first proportional sensor, the first proportional
sensor being configured to create a signal usable to control the
imagery; a second button positioned on the graphics controller such
that the second button is activatable by a single human finger, the
second button being connected to a second proportional sensor, the
second proportional sensor being configured to create a signal
usable to control the imagery; an input element movable on more
than two axes, wherein movement of the input element is configured
to control more than two axes of the imagery.
51. A graphics controller according to claim 50 further comprising
a second input element movable on at least two axes, wherein
movement of the second input element is configured to control at
least two axes of the imagery.
52. An operating device for game machine according to claim 38,
wherein said housing includes a grip which protrudes toward a
direction approximately parallel from a lower portion of said main
switch to said first axis, and has a shape to be gripped by a palm
of the one hand of a player
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing
apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
information processing apparatus which carries out an information
processing such as a game, etc., by using an operating device which
integrally includes a switch operated in an analog manner and a
switch operated in a digital manner, an information storing medium
used therefor, and a program thereof, for example.
[0002] The present invention further relates to an operating device
for game machine. More specifically, the present invention relates
to an operating device for game machine used for instructing a
movement of an object and a character in playing a video game.
PRIOR ART
[0003] In a conventional information processing apparatus,
especially, in a video game apparatus, a player operated an analog
joystick and a digital button by different fingers so as to move a
player object and cause the player object to attack a non-player
object.
[0004] In addition, in the prior art, there was a switch integrally
having an analog switch and a digital switch. However, once again
in this case, the analog switch and the digital switch are merely
selectively used, and therefore, an information processing (game
processing) different from a case in which each of the analog
switch and the digital switch is separately operated was not
carried out.
[0005] Therefore, since the conventional game is nothing but a game
to be played by separately operating the analog switch and the
digital switch, there was a lack of freshness with respect to an
operating technique.
[0006] Furthermore, an appearance view of a conventional operating
device for game machine (hereinafter briefly referred to as
"operating device") is shown in FIG. 47. FIG. 47 (a) shows an
operating device having a shape on which a housing is directly
gripped by palms of both hands of a player, and disclosed in
Japanese Patent Laying-open No. H9-167544 (corresponding U.S. Pat.
No. 5,207,426), for example. FIG. 47 (b) shows an operating device
formed with grips 76 and 77 in a lower portion of a side surface of
the housing.
[0007] In these apparatuses, direction designating switches 65 or
75 for designating a moving direction of a character or an object
of the video game and an action instructing switch for instructing
an action of a character, etc. are formed on one main surface of
the housing in a vicinity of both sides surfaces. The action
instructing switch includes four operating switches 61-64 or 71-74,
and is arranged crosswise in vertical and horizontal directions
viewed from a plane surface of the housing. Each operating switches
61-64 or 71-74 includes relatively small circular-shaped key tops.
More specifically, each operating switches 61-64 or 71-74 is
arranged to be distant by a constant distance to up and down and
right and left from a central point when arranged crosswise, and
there was no immediacy or was there no apparent immediacy
therebetween. Furthermore, the key tops of each operating switches
were same in height.
[0008] The operating device of the prior art had following
problems. That is, each operating switch is distant by a constant
distance up and down and right and left from a central point of the
crosswise arrangement, thus operated according to subsequent
methods. In a first operating method, the central point of the
crosswise arrangement is defined as a reference position of a thumb
finger, and it is operated by gradually shifting the thumb finger
up and down and right and left so as to correspond to an operating
switch to be operated. According to the first operating method, due
to a fact that a position of the thumb finger naturally placed
thereon while holding the housing is in a vicinity of the central
point of the crosswise arrangement (see FIG. 47 (a) or FIG. 47
(b)), there is no awkwardness with respect to the position of the
thumb finger at the reference position, and in addition, it is
possible to operate by a movement at an equal distance in a case of
operating any one of the operating switches. However, in general,
there are high and low usage frequencies in a plurality of
operating switches, and there is a need to move the thumb finger
even when operating an operating switch with high usage frequency.
As a result thereof, the functionality is not so good, and in
addition, tiredness is easily caused in the thumb finger.
[0009] On the other hand, in a second method, defining a particular
operating switch (lower switches 61 or 71 in a crosswise
arrangement, for example) as a reference position of the thumb
finger, in a case of operating a right operating switch (62 or 72),
depress by shifting the thumb finger from the reference position to
an upper right, in a case of operating a left operating switch (63
or 73), depress the thumb finger from the reference position to an
upper left, and in a case of operating an upper switch (64 or 74),
depress the thumb finger from the reference position to above.
According to the second operating method, there is no need to move
the thumb finger with respect to the particular operating switch,
however, it requires a great amount of movement of the thumb finger
in a case where other operating switches are to be operated, and in
addition, since an amount of movement is not constant (in the
aforementioned example, the amount of movement when operating the
above operating switch is larger than the amount of movement when
operating the left or the right operating switch), it often results
in an erroneous operation, and tiredness in the thumb finger.
Furthermore, the reference position of the thumb finger is
different from a position of the thumb finger naturally placed
thereon while holding the housing, thus causing tiredness.
[0010] In addition, in either above mentioned operating method, it
often causes an erroneous operation in a case of a simultaneous
depressing (in a case of simultaneously depressing a plurality of
operating switches) or a successive depressing (in a case of
successively operating a plurality of operating switches in an
orderly manner), and in addition, a thumb finger tiredness is
likely to be caused. More specifically, in a case of simultaneously
depressing the operating switch 61 and the operating switch 64
(operating switch 71 and operating switch 74), simultaneously
depressing the operating switch 62 and the operating switch 63
(operating switch 72 and operating switch 73), or simultaneously
depressing the operating switch 63 and the operating switch 64
(operating switch 73 and the operating switch 74), it needs to
avoid other operating switches, thus demanding an unnecessary force
on the thumb finger, and as a result thereof, operability is poor.
Furthermore, it is difficult to simultaneously depress the
operating switch 61 and the operating switch 64 (operating switch
71 and operating switch 74), or the operating switch 62 and the
operating switch 63 (operating switch 72 and operating switch 73)
because of a wide distance between respective operating switches.
Moreover, in a case of a successive depressing from the operating
switch 61 to the operating switch 64 (from the operating switch 71
to the operating switch 74) or a successive depressing from the
operating switch 62 to the operating switch 63 (from the operating
switch 72 to the operating switch 73), an operability is poor
because a moving distance of the thumb finger is large, and in
addition, there is a possibility to contact other operating
switches while moving.
[0011] In addition, in a positioning relationship between the upper
and the lower operating switches (positioning relationship between
the operating switch 61 and the operating switch 64, or positioning
relationship between the operating switch 71 and the operating
switch 74), a direction to which a thumb finger naturally extends
when a player holds the housing is not an axial direction.
Therefore, it results in an unnatural movement of the thumb finger
with respect to the simultaneous depressing and the successive
depressing of the upper and the lower operating switches, thus
triggering tiredness in the thumb finger.
[0012] Moreover, it often occurs that an erroneous operating key is
unintentionally depressed because a shape and a size of the key top
of each operating switch are same and have no clear
distinction.
[0013] Furthermore, with respect to an operating switch with high
usage frequency, other operating switches are same in size, thus
resulting in a poor operability.
[0014] Moreover, each operating switch is same in height, thus
requiring to forcefully extend the thumb finger when operating the
operating switch provided at an upper portion of the housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide an information processing apparatus in use of a novel
operating technique, and an information storing medium used
therefor, and a program thereof.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
information processing apparatus capable of carrying out a
plurality of controls with a single finger, an information storing
medium used therefor, and a program thereof.
[0017] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an information processing apparatus capable of diversifying
changes onto the control when depressing a certain switch, an
information storing medium therefor, and a program thereof.
[0018] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an information processing apparatus capable of detecting
that a user is about to depress a given switch and expressing this
on a screen, an information storing medium therefor, and a program
thereof.
[0019] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an information processing apparatus capable of carrying out
a special process with respect to a maximum operation of an analog
switch by allowing the user to apparently recognize that the
maximum operation has been applied to the analog switch, an
information storing medium used therefor, and a program
thereof.
[0020] It is yet still another object of the present invention to
provide an operating device for game machine with a good
functionality and capable of being correctly and easily
operated.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
operating device for game machine most unlikely to cause a hand
tiredness, more specifically, a tiredness in a thumb finger.
[0022] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an operating device for game machine capable of easily
carrying out a simultaneous depressing and a successive depressing,
and in addition, easily realizing various game operating
methods.
[0023] An information processing apparatus (2: a reference number
showing a corresponding portion in an embodiment described later,
and so forth.) according to the present invention, comprises an
operating means (1), a processing means (21) which carries out a
process based on operating information from the operating means,
and an image signal outputting means (22) which outputs image data
generated by the processing means to a display means as an image
signal, wherein the operating means includes an analog operating
means (1091-1096; 1033, 1036) and digital switches (1098; 1034,
1035a, 1035b) arranged to be turned on in association with an
operation of the analog operating means, and the processing means
includes a first processing means (S1807; S2504, S2505; S2903;
S3702; S3902-S3906) which carries out a first operation based on
operating information of the analog operating means and a second
processing means (S1803, S1805; S2502, S2409, S2410; S2902;
S3704-S3708; S3907) to carry out a second process in association
with the first process based on on/off information of the digital
switches.
[0024] According to the present invention, since the analog switch
and the digital switch are operated by a single switch, it is
possible to carry out a process regarding the analog switch and a
process regarding the digital switch by one operation of the
player. In addition, since the process regarding the analog switch
and the process regarding the digital switch are associated each
other, it is possible to realize a conventionally unknown movement
or action of a player object or the like, and an information
processing using various kinds of operating techniques.
Furthermore, following effects are available:
[0025] (1) It is possible to provide an information processing
apparatus capable of carrying out a plurality of controls by a
single finger;
[0026] (2) It is possible to give variations to a processing
content upon operating the digital switch in accordance with an
operation of the analog switch;
[0027] (3) It is possible to detect that the user is about to
depress the digital switch by the analog switch, and express this
on a screen; and
[0028] (4) It is possible to carry out a special processing with
respect to a maximum operation of the analog switch because the
user can clearly recognize that the maximum operation is applied to
the analog switch.
[0029] In a certain embodiment, the digital switch (1098) is
arranged to be turned on when an operating amount of the analog
operating means (1091-1096) approximately becomes a maximum.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the first processing means
carries out processes (S1807; S2903) in accordance with an
operating amount of the analog operating means, and the second
processing means carries out processes (S1803; S2902) in response
to the process of the first processing means when the operating
amount of the analog operating means is maximum.
[0031] In addition, the processing means further includes a
candidate storing means which stores a candidate of the second
process, a selecting means (S1601) which selects a process from the
candidate storing means, and a second process setting means (S1603,
S1605) which sets a process selected by the selecting means as a
second process.
[0032] Furthermore, the first processing means includes a measuring
means (S3905) which accumulatively measures an operating amount of
the analog operating means, and the second processing means changes
a process size in accordance with an amount measured by the
measuring means (S3907).
[0033] In a certain embodiment, the first processing means includes
an operating speed calculating means (S3705) which calculates an
operating speed of the analog operating means, and the second
processing means changes a process size in accordance with the
operating speed calculated by the operating speed calculating means
before an on-operation of the digital switch (S3707).
[0034] In another embodiment, the first processing means carries
out a process (S2401) to store an operating position of the analog
operating means before an on-operation of the digital switch, and
the second processing means changes a process content (S2409,
S2410) in accordance with an operating position of the analog
operating means which the first processing means stores (S2409,
S2410).
[0035] In still another embodiment, the first processing means
carries out a process (S2903) which successively displays a
predetermined movement or action of a character, and the second
processing means carries out a process (S2902) which causes the
character to perform a succeeding movement in coordination with the
predetermined movement or action.
[0036] In this case, the first processing means successively
displays the predetermined movement or action in accordance with an
operating amount of the analog operating means (S2903).
[0037] In an embodiment, the operating means further includes an
operating means for movement (112) to instruct the character to
move, and the processing means (2) further includes a movement
controlling means (S2904) to control a movement of the character
based on operating information of the operating means for movement,
and the movement controlling means controls a movement amount of
the character when the first processing means displays a
progressing state of the predetermined movement (S3404).
[0038] The processing means described above further includes a
non-player character controlling means (S3501, S3502) to control a
non-player character not operated by a player, the succeeding
movement by the second processing means is a movement which affects
the non-player character, and the non-player character controlling
means displays the non-player character in accordance with a
display of a progressing state of the predetermined movement by the
first processing means (S3504).
[0039] In a certain aspect of the present invention, the
information processing apparatus (2) is provided with an operating
means (1), a processing means (21) which carries out a process
based on operating information from the operating means, and an
image signal outputting means (22) which outputs image data
generated by the processing means to a display means as an image
signal, wherein the operating means includes an analog operating
means (1091-1096; 1033, 1036) and digital switches (1098: 1034,
1035a, 1035b) arranged to be turned on when an operating amount of
the analog operating means becomes a maximum, and the processing
means includes state detecting means (S2401; S2701) which detects
any one of a first state in which the digital switch is turned on,
a second state in which an operating amount of the analog operating
means is zero, and a third state in which the digital switch is
turned off, and in addition, the operating amount of the analog
operating means is not zero, and carried out different processes
(S2408-S2410, S2710) according to an output of the state detecting
means.
[0040] In this case, the processing means executes predetermined
processes (S2708, S2709) when a history of a detecting output of
the state detecting means becomes a predetermined pattern.
[0041] An information storing medium according to the present
invention is an information storing medium (4) used for an
information processing apparatus provided with an operating means
including an analog operating means (1091-1096; 1033, 1036) and
digital switches (1098; 1034; 1035a, 1035b) arranged to be turned
on in association with and an operation of the analog operating
means, a processing means (21) which carries out a process based on
operating information from the operating means, and an image signal
outputting means (22) which outputs image data generated by the
processing means to a display means as an image signal, and stores
a first program (S1807; S2504, S2505; S2903; S3702; S3902-S3906) to
carry out a first process based on the operating information of the
analog operating means, and a second program (S1803, S1805; S2502,
S2409, S2410; S2902; S3704-S3708; S3907) to carry out a second
process in association with the first process based on on/off
information of the digital switches.
[0042] A program according to the present invention is a program
executed by an information processing apparatus provided with an
operating means including an analog operating means (1091-1096;
1033, 1036) and digital switches (1098; 1034, 1035a, 1035b)
arranged to be turned on in association with an operation of the
analog operating means, a processing means (21) which carries out a
process based on operating information from the operating means,
and an image signal outputting means (22) which outputs image data
generated by the processing means to a display means as an image
signal, and includes a first program (S1807; S2504, S2505; S2903;
S3702; S3902-S3906) for carrying out a first process based on the
operating information of the analog operating means, and a second
program (S1803, S1805; S2502, S2409, S2410; S2902; S3704-S3708;
S3907) for carrying out a second process in association with the
first process based on on/off information of the digital
switches.
[0043] A operating device for game machine (1) according to the
present invention is in use for instructing a movement or action of
a character appearing in a game, and comprises a housing (100), a
main switch (103), and a sub-switch (104, 105, 106). The main
switch (103) is arranged on one main surface of the housing (100)
in a vicinity of one side surface and in a vicinity of a thumb
finger of one side holding the housing. The sub-switch (104, 105,
106) is arranged in plural number to be circumferentially
distributed around the main switch (103) in an area excluding a
lower area of the main switch, and in addition, in which the thumb
finger is movable. In addition, the sub-switch (104, 105, 106) is
constituted in such a manner as to include a first sub-switch (106)
arranged at an upper area of the main switch (103), a second
sub-switch (104) arranged at a left area of the main switch (103),
and a third sub-switch (105) arranged at a right area of the main
switch, and each is a form smaller than a form of the main
switch.
[0044] Note that in the description of the present invention, a
"shape" of the operating switch refers to a shape when a key top of
the operating switch is seen from above.
[0045] According to the above mentioned operating device for game
machine, a relatively large operating switch (main switch) is
arranged at a position of a thumb finger of one hand when the
player holds the housing. Therefore, the player can exactly and
effortlessly operate the switch. Furthermore, at a circumference of
the main switch, a plurality of sub-switches are arranged. The
sub-switches are selected to be a shape smaller than the main
switch, and it is possible to easily carry out a successive
depressing and a simultaneous depressing because a distance between
the main switch and the sub-switch can be shortened. Furthermore,
the sub-switch is not to be arranged below the main switch, thus
the sub-switch is not an obstacle when the player depresses the
main switch which can further improve an operating sensation of the
main switch.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned main switch
(103) has a shape formed to be circular, and the sub-switches (104,
105, 106) are arranged on a concentric circle centered on the main
switch (103). According to this embodiment, it is possible for the
player to comprehend a positioning relationship between the main
switch and the sub-switch, thus minimizing an erroneous
operation.
[0047] Furthermore, the first sub-switch (106) is preferably
arranged on a first axis (52) slanting a longitudinal axis (51) of
the housing (100) passing a center of the main switch (100) toward
a center of the housing (100) by a predetermined degree.
[0048] Normally, the player holds the housing of the operating
device for game machine in a state where his forearm is inwardly
faced (a state where forearms of both hands widen toward the end).
At this time, the thumb finger which holds the housing of the
operating device for game machine is also faced inwardly as are the
forearms. According to the aforementioned embodiment, the main
switch and the sub-switches are arranged on an axis which slants a
longitudinal axis of the housing toward a center of the housing by
a predetermined degree, and the first sub-switch is arranged in a
direction in which the thumb finger naturally extends from a
position of the main switch which is a normal position, thus easy
to successively depress and simultaneously depress between the main
switch and the sub-switch.
[0049] Note that in a case that the main switch is arranged in a
vicinity of a right side surface of the housing, the first
sub-switch is arranged on an axis slanting a longitudinal axis of
the housing by a predetermined degree counterclockwise, and in a
case that the main switch is arranged in a vicinity of a left side
surface of the housing, the first sub-switch is arranged on an axis
slanting the longitudinal axis of the housing by a predetermined
degree clockwise.
[0050] In the aforementioned embodiment, the second sub-switch
(104) and the third sub-switch (105) are arranged at a symmetrical
position toward the first axis (52) as an example. In this example,
the player can easily comprehend a positioning relationship between
the second sub-switch and the third sub-switch, thus minimizing an
erroneous operation.
[0051] Another operating device for game machine according to the
present invention comprises a housing (100), a main switch (103),
and a first sub-switch (106). The main switch (103) is arranged on
one main surface of the housing in a vicinity of one side surface,
and in a vicinity of a thumb finger of one side holding the
housing. The first sub-switch (106) is arranged in an upper area of
the main switch (103), and in addition, arranged on a first axis
(52) slanting a longitudinal axis (51) of the housing passing a
center of the main switch (103) toward a center direction of the
housing, and has a shape smaller than a shape of the main
switch.
[0052] According to the operating device for game machine, a
relatively large operating switch (main switch) is arranged at a
position of a thumb finger of one hand when the player holds the
housing, thus possible for the player to exactly and effortlessly
operate this switch. In addition, the first sub-switch is arranged
in a direction to which the thumb finger naturally extends from a
position of the main switch which is a normal position, thus easy
to carry out a successive depressing and a simultaneous depressing
between the main switch and the sub-switch.
[0053] Note that the housing (100) further comprises a grip (101)
protruding toward a direction approximately parallel to the first
axis (52) from a lower area of the main switch (103) and having a
shape on which the player can tighten his grip thereon by a palm of
one hand. According to this embodiment, the player can naturally
bring a degree at which the housing is held into being synchronism
with a positioning relationship between the main switch and the
sub-switch. Therefore, the effects by the positioning relationship
of the aforementioned operating switch are easily demonstrated.
[0054] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned
first sub-switch (106) has a key top formed to be higher than a key
top of the main switch (103).
[0055] According to this preferred embodiment, the key top of the
first sub-switch is designed to be high, thus possible to easily
operate as a result that an amount of extending the thumb finger
becomes small in a case that the first sub-switch is operated by
extending the thumb finger from a position of the main switch which
is the normal position, and if a tip of the thumb finger is placed
on the first sub-switch by placing a stomach portion of the thumb
finger on the main switch, a good operating sensation is expected.
Furthermore, in a case that only the first sub-switch is operated,
the main switch is not to be operated erroneously.
[0056] Moreover, a sub-switch arranged to be closer to a central
side of the housing than the main switch (103) out of the second
sub-switch (104) and the third sub-switch (105) has its key top
formed to be lower than the key top of the main switch (103).
However, in a case that the main switch is arranged in a vicinity
of a right side surface of the housing, the key top of the second
sub-switch is formed to be lower than the key top of the main
switch, and in a case that the main switch is arranged in a
vicinity of a left side surface of the housing, the key top of the
third sub-switch is formed to be lower than the key top of the main
switch.
[0057] According to this embodiment, when operating the main
switch, the second or the third sub-switch is not an obstacle, and
in addition, when operating the second or the third sub-switch, an
operating sensation through which the thumb finger is naturally
placed on the key top of the second or third sub-switch when moving
the thumb finger from the main switch to both directions is
obtained. Furthermore, it is possible to distinguish the main
switch and the second or third sub-switch by a finger tip sensation
or feeling, thus possible to prevent to operate erroneously.
[0058] Note that the sub-switches (104, 105, 106) may be formed to
be a shape extending along an outer circumference of a shape of the
main switch (103). In this case, it is possible to enlarge a
surface dimension of the key top of the sub-switch, and in
addition, minimize an interval between the main switch and the
sub-switches.
[0059] More specifically, the aforementioned operating device for
game machine further comprises a direction designating operating
portion which is arranged on one main surface of the housing (100)
in a vicinity of the other side surface, and in a vicinity of a
position of the thumb finger of the other hand which holds the
housing, and for designating a moving direction of characters
appearing in the game. According to this example, it is possible to
independently instruct a movement or action content of the
character and a movement direction, thus possible to diversify an
operation of the characters so as to increase savor of the
game.
[0060] The above described objects and other objects, features,
aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent from the following detailed description of the present
invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] FIG. 1 is an appearance view showing a game machine system
of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 2 is a hexagonal chart showing a controller of this
embodiment;
[0063] FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing positions of
sub-switches arranged at a circumference of a main switch;
[0064] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing an advantage in a
case that a shape of a sub-switch is brought into a shape extending
along an outer periphery of a plane shape of the main switch;
[0065] FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of an
operating state of a controller;
[0066] FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing another example of an
operating state of the controller;
[0067] FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing still another example
of an operating state of the controller;
[0068] FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing a modified example of
the main switch and the sub-switches;
[0069] FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing that the main switch
and the sub-switches are arranged on a slanted axis;
[0070] FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing a difference in
height between key tops of the main switch and the
sub-switches;
[0071] FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing an inclination of a
Y button;
[0072] FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing a modified example
of the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing structure of an R
switch;
[0074] FIG. 14 is a sectional illustrative view showing an
operating state (release) of the R switch;
[0075] FIG. 15 is a sectional illustrative view showing an
operating state (half depressed) of the R switch;
[0076] FIG. 16 is a sectional illustrative view showing an
operating state (completely depressed) of the R switch;
[0077] FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing a transition state
of an operation of the R switch;
[0078] FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing a digital switch of
the R switch;
[0079] FIG. 19 is an illustrative view showing an A button;
[0080] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the game machine system
of FIG. 1 embodiment;
[0081] FIG. 21 is an illustrative view showing a format of
operating data of a controller;
[0082] FIG. 22 is a flowchart (main routine) showing an operation
of a race game which is one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0083] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation of a digital
button defining process in the race game;
[0084] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an operation of a starting
process in the race game;
[0085] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an operation of a speed
changing process in the race game;
[0086] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an operation of a collision
process in the race game;
[0087] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an operation of an attacking
process in the race game;
[0088] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operation of a turbo
process in this race game;
[0089] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an operation of a braking
process in this race game;
[0090] FIG. 30 is a flowchart (main routine) showing an operation
of a boxing game which is another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0091] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an operation of an attacking
process in the boxing game;
[0092] FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an operation of an R switch
state detecting process in the boxing game;
[0093] FIG. 33 is a flowchart (main routine) showing an operation
of a fighting game which is another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0094] FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an operation of a technique
process in the fighting game;
[0095] FIG. 35 is an illustrative view showing a technique pattern
table used in the fighting game;
[0096] FIG. 36 is a flowchart (main routine) showing an operation
of a gun game which is another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0097] FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an operation of a gun firing
process in the gun game;
[0098] FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an operation of a gun holding
process in the gun game;
[0099] FIG. 39 is an illustrative view showing an example of images
in the gun game;
[0100] FIG. 40 is an illustrative view showing another example of
the images in the gun game;
[0101] FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an operation of a moving
process in the gun game;
[0102] FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an operation of an enemy
process in the gun game;
[0103] FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing (main routine) of an
operation of a golf game which is another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0104] FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing an operation of a ball
process in the golf game;
[0105] FIG. 45 is a flowchart (main routine) showing an operation
of a shooting game which is another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0106] FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing an operation of an attacking
process in the shooting game; and
[0107] FIG. 47 is an illustrative view showing a conventional
operating device for game machine.
BEST FORM FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION
[0108] FIG. 1 is an appearance view of a game machine system of one
embodiment of the present invention. The game machine system of the
present invention includes a controller 1, i.e. an operating device
for game machine, a game machine main body 2, i.e. one example of
an information processing apparatus, a television receiver 3, and a
game disk 4. The controller 1 is coupled with the game machine main
body 2 by a cable or wirelessly coupled (radio wave, infrared
light, etc.) so that it is possible to send and receive data
between the controller 1 and the game machine main body 2 with each
other. The game machine main body 2 is a video game machine which
executes a game program based on operating data from the controller
1 and outputs a video signal and an audio signal. The television
receiver 3 is to generate images and voices based on the video
signal and the audio signal output from the game machine main body
2. The game disk 4 is an information storing medium such as a DVD,
a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, and etc., for example, and program data
including the aforementioned game program, image data and audio
data are stored on this game disk 4 in advance.
[0109] Note that although only one controller is shown in FIG. 1,
it is possible to connect a plurality of controllers to the game
machine main body 2 so as to play one game among a plurality of
players. In addition, it is needless to say that the present
invention is not only applicable to a video game machine but also
to a portable game machine.
[0110] FIG. 2 is a hexagonal chart of the controller 1. FIG. 2 (a)
is a top view, FIG. 2 (b) is a left side view, FIG. 2 (c) is a
front view, FIG. 2 (d) is a right side view, FIG. 2 (e) is a bottom
view, and FIG. 2 (f) is a rear view. The controller 1 includes a
housing 100. A grip 101 and a grip 102 are formed at a lower
portion of right and left sides of the housing 100. The grip 101 or
the grip 102 is held in such a manner as to be gripped by a middle
finger, a third finger and a little finger of a right or left hand
of the player.
[0111] In a vicinity of a right side surface of one main surface of
the housing 100 (surface indicated by FIG. 2 (c)), an A button 103,
a B button 104, an X button 105, and a Y button 106 are arranged.
The A button 103 serves as a main switch, and the B button 104, the
X button 105 and the Y button 106 serve as sub-switches. These
operating switches are operated by a right-hand thumb finger, and
primarily used for instructing or designating a movement or action
of a character (principal character or the like) in a game.
[0112] In a vicinity of a left side surface of one main surface of
the housing 100 (surface indicated by FIG. 2 (c)), a main analog
joystick 112 is arranged. This operating switch is operated by a
left-hand thumb finger, and primarily used for instructing or
designating a movement direction or an action direction of the
character (principal character or the like) in the game.
[0113] Note that an arranging position of a cluster of the
operating switches 103, 104, 105, and 106 for instructing the
action and the operating switch 112 for instructing the movement
direction may be reversed right to left and vice versa.
[0114] A right protrusion 107 is formed at a left side (at a lower
oblique left of the switch 103) of the grip 101. The protrusion 107
is provided with a sub-analog joystick 108 arranged at a position
to which a right-hand thumb finger slides from the A button 103 to
left. A left protrusion 113 is formed at a right side (at a lower
oblique right of the main analog joystick 112) of the grip 102. The
left protrusion 113 is provided with a cross button 114 arranged at
a position to which a left-hand thumb finger slides from the main
analog joystick 112 to right. The cross button 114 has a
cross-shaped key top capable of instructing to move in four
directions, up, down, right and left, for example, and four digital
switches each of which corresponds to each four direction. The
sub-analog joystick 108 and the cross button 114 are primarily used
for instructing or designating a moving direction of a character
(leading character, etc.) in the game.
[0115] In addition, an R switch 109 is arranged at a side surface
of the housing 100 positioned at an upper portion of the cluster of
the operating switches 103, 104, 105, and 106 for instructing the
action. The R switch 109 is to be operated by a right-hand index
finger of the player, and although different depending on a content
of the game program, primarily used for instructing a movement
other than an instruction of a moving direction of the character
such as "accelerate", "punch", etc. Furthermore, a Z button 111 is
arranged in a vicinity of the R switch 109.
[0116] Furthermore, an L switch 115 is formed at a side surface of
the housing 100 positioned at an upper portion of the main analog
joystick 112. The L switch 115 is to be operated by a left-hand
index finger of the player, and a same kind of switch as the
aforementioned R switch 109.
[0117] A start switch 116 is formed on the controller 1 at an
approximately center portion of the housing 100 (intermediate
portion between the A button 103 and the analog joystick 112) and
at a position to be operationable by either a right-hand thumb
finger or a left-hand thumb finger. The start switch 116 is a
digital switch.
[0118] Next, descriptions are hereinafter given in detail with
respect to the cluster of the operating switches 103, 104, 105, and
106 for instructing or designating a movement or action which is
one of advantages of the present invention. The A button 103 is
arranged at an approximately center of the cluster of these
operating switches, and designed to be large in size. In addition,
the A button is preferably arranged to be at a position in a
vicinity of a right-hand thumb finger when an average player holds
the grip 101 by right hand. For a reason of good operability, the A
button 103 is also preferably assigned as a button with high usage
frequency.
[0119] At a left side of the A button 103, the B button 104 is
arranged, at a right side thereof, the X button 105 is arranged,
and at an upper portion thereof, the Y button 106 is arranged.
Thus, since sub-switches 104-106 are arranged to be dispersed at a
circumference of the A button 103 which is a main switch, it is
possible to operate by slightly shifting from the main switch right
to left or up to down, thus a good functionality or
operability.
[0120] In addition, below the A button 103 (toward a direction of a
stem or root of the thumb finger from the A button 103), no
sub-switch is provided so as not to become an obstacle when the A
button 103 is depressed by the right-hand thumb finger.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent from erroneously depressing
another switch when operating a frequently used A button 103.
[0121] Preferably, the sub-switches (B button 104, X button 105,
and Y button 106) are provided on a concentric circle centering on
the A button (FIG. 3(a)). Accordingly, each of sub-switches 104-106
is arranged at an equal distance from the main switch, thus easy
for the player to intuitively grasp positions of the sub-switches.
Note that respective sub-switches may have an outer edge portion
thereof arranged on the concentric circle, or a center portion
thereof arranged on the concentric circle.
[0122] In a case that the respective sub-switches are different in
size, e.g. in a case that a given sub-switch (B button 104, for
example) is larger in size compared to other sub-switches (X button
105 and Y button 106, for example) as shown in FIG. 3 (b), for
example, the sub-switch in question (B button 104) may be arranged
to be distant from the main switch 103. By doing this, it becomes
possible to prevent an erroneous operation by securing a distance
between a relatively large sub-switch in size and the main
switch.
[0123] Furthermore, it is preferred that the sub-switch be a flat
shape in a circular direction (shape extending along an outer
periphery of a shape of the A button, a pea-shaped as of this
embodiment, for example). Accordingly, the distance between the
main switch and each sub-switch is shortened. Therefore it becomes
easier to depress simultaneously and successively, and results in
less erroneous operations. The reasons are described
hereinafter.
[0124] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view which compares an
extending-shaped sub-switch and a circular sub-switch. Herein, a
center (center of gravity) of the extending-shaped sub-switch
indicated by a solid line is C1, an end point closer to the main
switch is T1, and in addition, a center (center of gravity) of the
circular sub-switch 106b indicated by a two-dotted line is C2, and
an end point closer to the main switch 103 is T2. Furthermore, a
center of the main switch 103 is C3, and an end point closer to the
sub-switch is T3. Note that a surface area of the extending-shaped
sub-switch 106 and a surface area of the circular sub-switch 106 b
are equal to each other.
[0125] In order to facilitate the simultaneous depressing and the
successive depressing, the closer a distance among respective
operating switches (intercentral distances, to be precisely), the
easier to operate. Referring to FIG. 4 (a), provided that the end
point T1 and the T2 be same in position, a distance L1 between the
center C1 of the extending-shaped sub-switch 106 and the center C3
of the main switch 103 is shorter compared to a distance L2 between
the center C2 of the circular sub-switch 106b and the center C3 of
the main switch 103 (L1<L2). That is, by bringing the sub-switch
into an extending shape, the intercentral distances between the
main switch become shorter, thus easier to simultaneously or
successively depress the main switch and the sub-switch.
[0126] On the other hand, in a case of separately depressing each
operating switch, the erroneous operation is minimized when
distances among each operating switch (distance between outer edges
of respective operating switches, to be precisely) are remote to a
certain degree. Referring to FIG. 4 (b), if the center C1 and the
center C2 are same in position, a distance L4 between the end point
T1 of the extending-shaped sub-switch 106 and the end point T3 of
the main switch 103 is longer compared to a distance L3 between the
end point T2 of the circular sub-switch 106b and the end point T3
of the main switch 103 (L3<L4). That is, by bringing the
sub-switch into an extending-shape, the distances between the outer
edges of the main switch and the sub-switch become remote, thus
reducing the erroneous operation.
[0127] A case that the A button 103 is depressed by the right-hand
thumb finger is shown in FIG. 5 (a). A case that the A button 103
and the X button 105 are simultaneously depressed is shown in FIG.
5 (b). Likewise, a case that the A button 103 and the B button 104
are simultaneously depressed is shown in FIG. 5 (c), and a case
that the A button 103 and the Y button 106 are simultaneously
depressed is shown in FIG. 5 (d). Furthermore, a case that three
buttons, that is, the A button 103, the X button 105 and the Y
button 106 are simultaneously depressed is shown in FIG. 6 (a). A
case that three buttons, that is, the A button 103, the B button
104 and the Y button 106 are simultaneously depressed is shown in
FIG. 6 (b). As understood from these, the A button 103 is easy to
operate, and the A button 103 and each sub-switch are easy to
simultaneously depress (as with a case of the successive
depressing).
[0128] Note that FIG. 7 (a) shows a case that the main switch 103
is operated by a right hand, and the main analog joystick 112 is
operated by a left hand, FIG. 7 (b) shows a case that the
sub-analog joystick 108 is operated by a right hand, and the cross
key 114 is operated by a left hand, FIG. 7 (c) shows a case that
the sub-analog joystick 108 is operated by a right hand, and the
main analog joystick 112 is operated by a left hand, and FIG. 7 (d)
shows a case that the main switch 103 is operated by a right hand
and the cross key 114 is operated by a left hand.
[0129] In addition, rectangle-shaped sub-switches 104a, 105a, and
106a may be arranged at a circumference of a square-shaped main
switch 103a as shown in FIG. 8 (a). Furthermore, the sub-switch may
simply be a circular shape 104b as shown in FIG. 8 (b) instead of a
shape extending along an outer periphery of the shape of the A
button. Note that in this case, no effect described by referring to
FIG. 4 is expected.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 9, descriptions are made with respect to
slanting a positioning relationship of each operating switch. The Y
button 106 is placed above the A button 103, and arranged on a
first axis (axis 52) having a longitudinal axis (axis 51) of the
housing passing a center of the A button 103 slanted toward a
counterclock direction by a predetermined degree or angle. Note
that if a longitudinal direction is a lateral axis (axis 54) in a
horizontally extending housing, the longitudinal axis (axis 51) of
the housing is an axis orthogonally intersecting the axis 54.
[0131] Herein, the first axis (axis 52) is preferably selected to
be in a direction toward which the thumb finger naturally faces
when the player holds the housing 100. When the player holds the
housing 100, his thumb finger turns to an inner side direction.
Therein, the first axis (axis 52) is an axis having the
longitudinal axis (axis 51) slanted in a counterclock direction by
a predetermined degree or angle. Note that in a case that the
cluster of the operating switches 103, 104, 105, and 106 for
instructing a movement or action is provided at a left side area of
the housing 100, the first axis (axis 52) is an axis having the
longitudinal axis (axis 51) slanted in a clock direction.
[0132] Accordingly, the Y button 106 is placed at a position to
which the thumb finger naturally extends, and therefore,
unnecessary force is not imposed on the thumb finger when operating
the Y button, thus easy to operate.
[0133] The B button 104 and the X button 105 are arranged on an
axis (axis 53) passing through a center of the A button 103 and
orthogonally intersecting the first axis (axis 52). Note that
although it may be possible to be arranged above or below the axis
(axis 53) angular to the first axis, in a case of being arranged
below, the B button 104 and the X button 105 are to be arranged at
a position not to interfere the thumb finger operating the A button
103. In addition, the B button 104 and the X button 105 are
preferably arranged at a symmetrical position with respect to the
first axis (axis 52).
[0134] Accordingly, a direction to which the thumb finger naturally
faces when the player holds the housing being a reference, the B
button 104 and the X button 105 can be operated by moving the thumb
finger to a left or a right direction from the reference, hence a
good operability.
[0135] It is preferred that the grips 101 and 102 are protruded in
a direction approximately parallel to the first axis 52.
Accordingly, the thumb finger of the player is naturally faced to
the first axis direction. However, even in a case that the grips
101 and 102 are not protruded in a direction approximately parallel
to the first axis 52 (in a case of protruding in a direction
approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 51 of the housing
100, for example), there is no need that a protruding direction of
the grips 101 and 102 is a direction approximately parallel to the
first axis 52 because it is sufficient if a direction of the thumb
finger is naturally faced to the first axis 51.
[0136] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a right-hand operating area
of the controller 1 (A area in FIG. 2 (e)). The key top of the Y
button 106 arranged at an upper portion of the housing than the A
button 103 is designed to be higher than the key top of the A
button 103. That is, by making the key top of the operating switch
(Y button 106) remotely placed from the thumb finger higher, a
distance from the thumb finger to the key top becomes to be
shortened, thus resulting in a good operability or functionality.
At this time, the key top of the Y button 106 may be in such a
shape as to be gradually lowering from an upper portion direction
of the housing to a lower portion direction of the housing (see
FIG. 11 which is an enlarged view of a B area in FIG. 2 (d)).
[0137] Also, the key top of the B button 104 provided at a left
portion of the A button 103 is designed to be lower than the key
top of the A button 103. In doing so, it is possible to obtain an
operating sensation in which the thumb finger is naturally placed
on the key top of the B button 104 when rotating the thumb finger
from the A button to a left direction.
[0138] Note that the key arrangement and structure in the above
mentioned embodiment is applicable to a controller having no grip
shown in FIG. 12 (a), and also applicable to a portable game
apparatus shown in FIG. 12 (b).
[0139] The A button 103 and the B button 104 described above have a
function as a digital switch and a function as an analog switch.
The function as an analog switch is a function which outputs
digital data of eight bits indicated by a numerical value of 0-255,
for example, in proportion to a depressing depth (or a force)
according to a principle of a variable resister, a variable
capacitor, or the like. The function as a digital switch is a
function which detects a switch-on or -off, and outputs digital
data of one bit. Note that in below descriptions, a digital output
of the A button 103 is described as "A button 103 (digital)", and
an analog output of the A button 103 is described as "A button 103
(analog)" (also true of the B buttons). Note that a detecting
mechanism of the A button 103 and the B button 104 are described
later by referring to FIG. 19.
[0140] In addition, the X button 105, the Y button 106, and the Z
button 11 are digital switches, and the R switch 109 and the L
switch 115 have a function as a digital switch and a function as an
analog switch similar to the A button 103 and the B button 104.
However, a detecting mechanism of the R switch 109 and the L switch
115 is different from the detecting mechanism of the A button 103
and the B button 104. The detecting mechanism of the R switch 109
and the L switch 115 are described later by referring to FIG. 13 to
FIG. 18. Note that in below descriptions a digital output of the R
switch 109 is described as "R switch 109 (digital)", and an analog
out of the R switch 109 is described as "R switch 109 (analog)"
(also true of the L switch 115).
[0141] Furthermore, as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 2 (c), a
vibration motor 117 and a jolting sensor 118 are contained within
the housing 100 of the controller 1. The vibration motor 117 is a
motor to which an eccentric weight is attached, and generates a
vibration by its rotation according to a command from the game
machine main body 2 so as to give a vibrating sensation to the
player who grips the controller 1.
[0142] The jolting sensor 118 is an impact sensor used in a
passometer, for example, and outputs "1" when an impact more than a
predetermined level is applied to the controller 1, and outputs "0"
to the contrary thereto. A game which takes advantage of the output
of the jolting sensor 118 may be a game which takes advantage of an
impact which a player deliberately applies to the controller 1 (an
object in a game being oscillated by swaying the controller, etc),
or a game which uses an impact which the player does not
deliberately apply to the controller 1, (in a case that the
controller is wildly oscillated out of total immersion into the
game, that the controller is mistakenly operated as a result of
being surprised at a game screen, and etc, for example).
[0143] Next, by referring to FIG. 13 to FIG. 18, descriptions are
made with respect to the mechanism of the R switch 109 (the L
switch 115 has a likewise mechanism). FIG. 13 is an appearance view
of the R switch 109, and FIG. 14 to FIG. 16 are sectional views. By
referring to FIG. 13, the R switch 109 is formed with an operating
portion 1091, a spring 1092, an operating portion base 1093, a
joint portion 1094, a slide rod 1095, a guide 1096, a stopper 1097,
a digital switch 1098, a digital switch base 1099, and a pedestal
1100, and secured to a substrate 1101 of the controller 1.
[0144] A mechanism in which the operating portion 1091 moves
upwardly and downwardly is realized by the operating portion 1091,
the spring 1092, and the operating portion base 1093. The operating
portion 1091 is a part to which a finger of the player contacts,
and has a cylindrical portion 1091a inside thereof as shown in FIG.
14. The operating portion base 1093 is formed of a cylindrical
portion 1093a having a hollow inner portion and a pedestal portion
1093b as shown in FIG. 14. The cylindrical portion 1091a of the
operating portion 1091 is inserted into the hollow portion of the
cylindrical portion 1093a of the operating portion base 1093, and
capable of moving upward and downward along the hollow portion. The
spring 1092 is arranged at a circumference of the cylindrical
portion 1093a of the operating portion base 1093. The spring 1092
supports the operating portion 1091, and if the player depresses
the operating portion 1091, the spring 1092 is compressed, and the
operating portion 1091 moves downward while having a resistor due
to an elasticity.
[0145] A variable resistor mechanism varied in response to a
position of the operating portion 1091 is realized by the joint
portion 1094, the slide rod 1095, and the guide 1096. One tip end
of the joint portion 1094 is fixed to a side surface of the
operating portion 1091, and moves in conjunction with a movement of
the operating portion 1091. The slide rod 1095 is firmly fixed to
the other tip end of the joint portion 1094. The slide rod 1095 is
inserted into the guide 1096 attached to the substrate 1101, and
moves in conjunction with a movement of the joint portion 1094
along the guide 1094. A resistance value of the variable resistor
changes due to the movement of the slide rod 1095, and an analog
value in accordance with a position of the slide rod 1095 is
output.
[0146] The digital switch 1098 is provided below the operating
portion base 1093. In addition, the stopper 1097 for restricting
the operating portion 1091 to move downward is secured to a side
surface of the operating portion base 1093. The digital switch 1098
is attached to the digital switch base 1099. The base 1093, the
stopper 1097, and the digital switch base 1099 are fixed to the
pedestal 1100. The pedestal 1100 is secured to the substrate
1101.
[0147] When the R switch 109 becomes a maximum depressed state, and
the operating portion 1091 moves to a lowermost position, a tip end
1091b of the cylindrical portion 1091a of the operating portion
1091 turns on the digital switch 1098, and this is described in
detail by referring to FIG. 14 to FIG. 16. FIG. 14 to FIG. 16 are
sectional views of the R switch 109. FIG. 14 is an illustrative
view showing a state where the R switch 109 is not operated by a
player. In this state, the operating portion 1091 is supported by
the spring 1092, and positioned at an upper portion. The tip end
1091b of the cylindrical portion 1091a of the operating portion
1091 is positioned at an intermediate portion of the hollow portion
within the cylindrical portion 1093a of the operating portion base
1093.
[0148] FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing a state where the
player depresses the R switch 109. The operating portion 1091
pushes-down and compresses the spring 1092. Although positioned
lower than a state shown in FIG. 14, the tip end 1091b of the
cylindrical portion 1091a of the operating portion 1091 has not
come to contact the digital switch 1098. Furthermore, there is a
gap between a tip end 1091c of an outer side portion of the
operating portion 1091 and the stopper 1097.
[0149] FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing a state where the
player has completely pushed-down the R switch 109. The operating
portion 1091 further squeezes and compresses the spring 1092, and
is located at a lowermost position. At this time, the tip end 1091c
of the outer side portion of the operating portion 1091 contacts
the stopper 1097, and the operating portion 1091 is restricted not
to move further downward. In addition, the tip end portion 1091b of
the cylindrical portion 1091a of the operating portion 1091
contacts and depresses the digital switch 1098, and the digital
switch 1098 is rendered an on-state.
[0150] Accordingly, first, the R switch 109 serves as an analog
switch. More specifically, the operating portion 1091 moves when
operating the R switch 109, and an analog value in correspondence
to a position of the R switch 1091 is output. Then, when the R
switch 109 is completely depressed, the digital switch 1098 is
rendered the on-state in conjunction thereto, and the digital value
is output therefrom.
[0151] FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing a progressing state
of the operation of the R switch 109. FIG. 17 (a) is an
illustrative view showing a state where the R switch 109 is not
operated by the player. The slide rod 1095 of the variable resistor
mechanism is placed at an upper most position. FIG. 17 (b) is an
illustrative view showing a state where the player has depressed
the R switch 109. The slide rod 1095 is placed at an intermediate
portion. FIG. 17 (c) is an illustrative view showing a state where
the R switch 109 is completely squeezed as a result that the player
further depresses it. The slide rod 1095 is placed at a lowermost
position.
[0152] FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing the digital switch
1098. FIG. 18 (a) is a sectional view thereof. The digital switch
1098 is formed with an elastic member 1098a, a conductive rubber
1098b, electrodes 1098c, 1098d, and a substrate 1098e. The elastic
member 1098a forms a space between the substrate 1098e. The
conductive rubber 1098b is secured to an inner upper surface of the
space portion at a side of the elastic member 1098e. On the
substrate 1098e of the space portion, and at a position opposite
the conductive rubber 1098b, the electrodes 1098a and 1098d are
attached. FIG. 18 (b) is a diagram seen from above. A circular
conductive rubber 1098d is fixed to a circular elastic member
1098a, and the electrodes 1098c and 1098d are arranged
therebelow.
[0153] As mentioned earlier, if the R switch 109 is completely
depressed, the tip end 1091b of the cylindrical portion 1091a of
the operating portion 1091 pushes down the elastic member 1098a of
the digital switch 1098. The elastic member 1098a is deformed and
held downward, and the conductive rubber 1098b attached to the
elastic member 1098a is also held down. The conductive rubber 1098b
contacts the electrodes 1098c and 1098 simultaneously, and causes
the electrodes 1098c and 1098d to short-circuit so as to turn on a
digital output. Note that of this embodiment, although a click
sensation or feeling is applied to the player by a deformation of
the elastic member 1098a, it may be also possible to cause the
click sensation by using a tact switch, and etc.
[0154] Next, by referring to FIG. 19, a mechanism of the A button
103 is described (B button 104 has a similar mechanism). The A
button 103 is formed with an operating portion 1031, an elastic
member 1032, an analog detecting portion 1033, a conductive rubber
1034, and electrodes 1035a, 1035b and 1036, and attached to the
substrate 1101 of the controller 1. The elastic member 1032 forms a
space between the substrate 1101. To an inner upper surface of the
space portion at a side of the elastic member 1032, the analog
detecting portion 1033 and the conductive rubber 1034 are secured.
On the substrate 1101 of the space portion and at a position
opposite the conductive rubber 1034, the electrodes 1035a and 1035b
are attached, and at a position opposite the analog detecting
portion 1033, the electrode 1036 is attached. The analog detecting
portion 1033 and the electrode 1036 are to form a variable
capacitor, and change an electrostatic capacity in accordance with
an area that the both are opposed or overlapped.
[0155] Firstly, descriptions are made with respect to a mechanism
of the A button 103 as a digital switch. If a player depresses the
operating portion 1031, the elasticity portion 1032 is downwardly
held down in association therewith. Then, the conductive rubber
1034 is downwardly held down, and then contacted with the
electrodes 1035a and 1035b simultaneously, thereby to short-circuit
the electrodes 1035a and 1035b, and also to turn on the digital
output.
[0156] If the A button 103 is further depressed (if a force is
applied) from a state where the digital output is turned on (a
state where short-circuited by contacting the conductive rubber
1034 to the electrodes 1035a and 1035b), the conductive rubber is
crushed and deformed, and a part of the analog detecting portion
1033 and the electrode 1036 are overlapped. If the A button is
still further depressed (if a force is applied) from this state,
the conductive rubber 1034 is further deformed, then area that the
analog detecting portion 1033 and the electrode 1036 are overlapped
becomes larger. Thus, opposite area or overlapped area between the
analog detecting portion 1033 and the electrode 1036 becomes
increasingly larger by further depressing the A button 103 from a
state where the digital output is turned on, and the electrostatic
is changed in association therewith, thereby to output the analog
value in response to an operating amount of the A button.
[0157] As described above, both the R switch 109 (also true of the
L switch 115) and the A button 103 (also true of the B button 104)
are provided with a function as a digital switch and a function as
an analog switch, however, different in mechanism. Firstly, the R
switch 109 (also true of the L switch 115) serves as an analog
switch, and then serves as a digital switch when a maximum
depressing is applied. On the other hand, the A button 103 (also
true of the B button 104) firstly serves as a digital switch, and
then serves as an analog switch by further depressing (applying
force). With respect to a method of usage as a game of the A button
103 (also true of the B button 104), in addition to a function as a
digital switch (shot at a goal when depressing the button in a
soccer game, for example), it is considered to detect a force to
depress the button (that is, a level of excitement of the player)
and reflect it to the game by detecting the force to depress the
digital button by the analog switch.
[0158] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a game machine system of this
embodiment. The controller 1 is, as described before, provided with
the A button 103, the B button 104, the X button 105, the Y button
106, the sub analog joystick 108, the R switch 109, the Z button
111, the main analog joystick 112, the cross button 114, the L
switch 115, and the start button 116, and further internally
provided with a controller circuit 120, the vibration motor 117,
and the jolting sensor 118. The A button 103, the B button 104, the
R switch 109, and the L switch 115 are provided with a digital
output and an analog output.
[0159] The controller circuit 120 generates operating data
described later by referring to FIG. 21 from all inputting means
and an output of the jolting sensor 118 in accordance with a
command from the game machine main body 2, and also outputs an on
signal and a brake signal toward the vibration motor.
[0160] The on signal and the brake signal are applied to the
vibration motor 117 from the controller circuit 120 according to a
command output from the game machine main body 2. The vibration
motor 117 continues to rotate during a time period that the on
signal is input from the controller circuit 120, and stops rotating
when the on signal is not output any more. Herein, the vibration
motor 117 of this embodiment continues to rotate (vibrate) due to
an inertia for a while after the on signal is not output because a
small weight is attached inside the motor. On the other hand, if
the brake signal is output from the controller circuit 120, the
motor stops rotating (vibrate) instantly because the motor is
forcibly stopped. Accordingly, the vibration motor 117 of this
embodiment can obtain an appropriate vibration effect in a game by
distinguishingly using a stoppage without brake and a stoppage with
brake. In addition, the controller 1 is provided with a cable
connector 130 to which a cable for sending and receiving data
between the game machine main body 2 is connected.
[0161] The game machine main body 2 is provided with a central
processing unit 21 (hereinafter referred merely to as "CPU"). A
coprocessor 22 is connected to the CPU 21. The coprocessor 22
includes a bus controlling circuit 22a, an image processing circuit
22b for generating image data, a sound processing circuit 22c for
generating sound data, and a controller controlling circuit 22d.
The bus controlling circuit 22a controls a bus to exchange data
between the CPU 21 and peripheral circuits (a main memory 24, the
image processing circuit 22b, the sound processing circuit 22c, the
controller controlling circuit 22d, and etc.). The image processing
circuit 22b carries out a polygon coordinate transformation and a
light source processing, and lusterizes the polygon data onto an
image to be displayed so as to transform into a data format capable
of being stored into a frame memory within the main memory 24. The
controller controlling circuit 22d receives operating data from one
or a plurality of controllers in a bit serial fashion, and also
sends a command to the controllers.
[0162] In addition to the CPU 21, a disk drive 23, the main memory
24, a start-up ROM 25, an AV encoding circuit 26, and a controller
connector 28 are connected to the coprocessor 22. Furthermore, an
AV connector 27 is connected to the AV encoding circuit 26.
[0163] The disk drive 23 is a device which receives a medium such
as a DVD, a CD-ROM or a magnetic disk, and etc. and reads data
within the medium. The read data is transferred to the main memory
24 via the bas controlling circuit 22a. Note that it may be
constituted by using a cartridge in which a semiconductor memory is
used. In this case, a cartridge connector is provided in place of
the disk drive 23.
[0164] The main memory 24 includes an image data storing area for
storing a display list for an image display, image data, and etc.,
a sound data storing area for storing sound data, a program storing
area for storing a game program, and a frame buffer area for
storing the image data generated by the image processing circuit
22b to be transformed into display image data to be displayed on a
screen. The data read out by the disk drive 23 is stored in the
image data storing area, the sound data storing area or the program
storing area, and read out by the CPU 21 to be subjected to a
predetermined process by the same. A start-up program that the CPU
21 executes first when a power switch of the game machine main body
2 is depressed is stored in the start-up ROM 25.
[0165] The AV encoding circuit 26 is a circuit for transforming the
image data from the image processing circuit 22b and the sound data
from the sound processing circuit 22c into a signal to be output to
the television receiver 3. The AV connector 27 is a connector for
connecting an AV cable to be connected to the television receiver
3. The control connector 27 is a connector for connecting a cable
to be connected to the controller.
[0166] Next, a schematic operation of the game machine system of
this embodiment is described. First, a player sets the game disk 4
into the disk drive 23. Then, if a power switch (not shown) is
depressed, the CPU 21 executes the start-up program stored in the
start-up ROM 25. More specifically described, the CPU 21 displays a
start-up screen in accordance with the start-up program. Then, a
reading command of the game disk 4 is output to the disk drive 23
via the bas controlling circuit 22a of the coprocessor 22. The disk
drive 23 reads out data from the game disk 4 in accordance with the
command, and outputs it to the bas controlling circuit 22a. The bas
controlling circuit 22a writes the read-out data into a
predetermined area of the main memory 24. If the disk drive 23
cannot read the data of the game disk because no game disk is
inserted therein, a text such as "INSERT DISK", and etc, for
example is displayed by using data within the start-up ROM.
[0167] The CPU 21 starts a game processing based on the data (the
program data, the polygon data, the texture data, and etc.) read
from the game disk 4 and written in the main memory 24. In the game
processing, the CPU 21, as necessary, outputs a command to the
controller circuit 120 of the controller 1. There are a plurality
of kinds of commands such as an operating data request command, a
vibration on command, and a vibration brake command, for example.
These commands are output to the controller circuit 120 via the
controller controlling circuit 22d of the coprocessor 22, the
controller connector 28, the cable, and the cable connector
130.
[0168] The CPU 21 outputs the operating data request command when
the operating data of the controller 1 is required. In receipt of
the operating data request command, the controller circuit 120
generates operating data described later by referring to FIG. 21
based on an output from the inputting means and the jolting sensor
118, and outputs to the cable connector 130. The CPU 21 executes a
program in receipt of the operating data via the cable, the
controller connector 28, and the bas controlling circuit 22a.
[0169] The CPU 21 outputs the vibration on command when intending
to vibrate the vibration motor 117, and outputs the vibration brake
command when intending to forcibly stop the vibration. The
controller circuit 120, in receipt of these commands, outputs the
on signal or the brake signal to the vibration motor 117.
[0170] The image processing circuit 22b generates the game image in
receipt of an image generating command output by the CPU 21 based
on the program. In addition, the sound processing circuit 22c
generates a game sound in receipt of a sound generating command.
These game image data and the game sound data are transformed into
a video signal and an audio signal by the AV encoding circuit 26,
and output to the television receiver 3 via the AV connector 27.
Note that specific game contents will be described later by
referring to FIG. 22 to FIG. 46.
[0171] FIG. 21 is a format of the operating data generated by the
controller circuit 120. In FIG. 21, "START", "Y", "X", "B", "A",
"L". "R", and "Z" are data areas for digital outputs (either 0 or
1) of the start button 116, the Y button 106, the X button 105, the
B button 104 (digital), the A button 103 (digital), the L switch
115 (digital), the R switch 109 (digital), and the Z button 111,
respectively. "SHOCK" is the data area of an output of the jolting
sensor 118 (in a case of an impact more than a predetermined level,
"1", otherwise "0"). "Main Analog X" and "Main Analog Y" are data
areas of an analog output of an X direction and a Y direction of
the main analog joystick 112. "Sub Analog X" and "Sub Analog Y" are
data areas of analog outputs of an X direction and a Y direction of
the sub analog joystick 108. "L Analog", "R Analog", "A Analog" and
"B Analog" are data areas of analog output values of the L switch
115 (analog), the R switch 109 (analog), the A button 103 (analog)
and the B button 104 (analog), respectively.
[0172] Although the operating data is always eight-byte data, it is
possible, if set accordingly, to select three kinds of formats
(FIG. 21 (a), FIG. 21 (b), FIG. 21 (c)). The controller 1 of this
embodiment is provided with the main analog joystick 112, the sub
analog joystick 108, the A button 103, the B button 104, the R
switch 109, and the L switch 115 as an analog switch. However,
depending on which three kinds of formats to be selected, it is
determined to change to which switch a high resolution is assigned
out of these analog switches.
[0173] In a format shown in FIG. 21 (a), eight bits are
respectively assigned to the X direction and the Y direction of the
main analog joystick 112 and the sub analog joystick 108. Four bits
are assigned to the A button 103, the B button 104, the R switch
109, and the L switch 115, respectively. This is a format selected
in a case that it requires a high resolution to the main analog
joystick 112 and the sub analog joystick 108.
[0174] In a format shown in FIG. 21 (b), eight bits are
respectively assigned to the X direction and the Y direction of the
main analog joystick 112, the L switch 115 (analog), and the R
switch 109 (analog). Four bits are assigned to the X direction and
the Y direction of the sub analog joystick 108, the A button 103
(analog), and the B button 104 (analog), respectively. This is a
format selected in a case that it requires a high system resolution
to the main analog joystick 112, the L switch 115 (analog) and the
R switch 109 (analog).
[0175] In a format shown in FIG. 21 (c), eight bits are
respectively assigned to the X direction and the Y direction of the
main analog joystick 112, the A button 103 (analog), and the B
button 104 (analog). Four bits are assigned to the X direction and
the Y direction of the sub analog joystick 108, the L switch 115
(analog), and the R switch 109 (analog), respectively. This is a
format selected in a case that it requires a high resolution to the
main analog joystick 112, the A button 103 (analog) and the B
button 104 (analog).
[0176] Any one of the formats of FIG. 21 (a), FIG. 21 (b), and FIG.
21 (c) is selected according to a content of the game. The game
machine main body 2 outputs an operating data request command
uniquely assigned by each format. The controller circuit 120
generates the operating data in any one of formats of FIG. 21 (a),
FIG. 21 (b), and FIG. 21 (c) according to a kind of the operating
data request command.
[0177] By referring to FIG. 22 to FIG. 29, descriptions are made
with respect to a race game which is one embodiment of the present
invention. In the race game of this embodiment, a player controls a
direction of his or her machine by operating the main analog
joystick 112 of the controller 1, applies an acceleration control
(accelerator control) of its machine by operating the R switch 109
(analog), and applies an acceleration (turbo) control which is
larger than usual acceleration or applies a brake control (the
player can arbitrarily select either the turbo control or the brake
control) when the R switch 109 (analog) becomes turned on. In
addition, when the A button 103 (digital) becomes turned on, a
shooting control of a machine gun is applied toward an enemy
machine operated by the computer, and when the B button 104
(digital) becomes turned on, the shooting control of a pistol is
applied.
[0178] FIG. 22 to FIG. 29 are flowcharts of a program stored in the
game disk 4, read out by the disk drive 23, and executed by the
CPU. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a main routine. Upon starting the
game (inserts the game disk 4 into the disk drive 23, and turns on
a power of the game machine main body), firstly, in a step S1501, a
digital button defining process subroutine described later by
referring to FIG. 23 is executed. After the step S1501, a starting
process subroutine described later by referring to FIG. 24 is
executed in a step S1502. After the step S1502, an initializing
process of a coordinate machine, a speed, a moving direction, etc.
of the own machine are carried out in a step S1503.
[0179] After the step S1503, the operating data of the controller 1
is read out in a step S1504. More specifically, data of the format
described before by referring to FIG. 21 is generated by the
controller circuit 120, and read out by the CPU 21 via the cable
connector 130, the cable 5, the control connector 28, and the
coprocessor 22. Note that of this embodiment, the format (b) in
FIG. 21 is in use.
[0180] After the step S1504, a speed changing process subroutine
described later by referring to FIG. 25 is executed in a step
S1505. After the step S1505, a process for determining the moving
direction of the own machine is carried out in a step S1506. More
specifically, a changing process of the moving direction of the own
machine is carried out based on operating information of the main
analog joystick 112 (a value of "Main Analog X" and "Main Analog Y"
in FIG. 21).
[0181] After the step S1506, a coordinate changing process is
carried out in a step S1507. More specifically, a changing process
of the coordinate of own machine is carried out based on the speed,
the moving direction of its own machine determined in the steps
S1505 and S1506, and the coordinate of last time. After the step
S1507, a collision process described later by referring to FIG. 26
is carried out in a step S1508. After the step S1508, an attacking
process described later by referring to FIG. 27 is carried out in a
step S1509. After the step S1509, other processes are carried out
in a step S1510. More specifically, a moving process of the enemy
machine, an attacking process, an image process, a sound process,
and etc. are carried out. After the steps S1510, it is determined
whether or not the game has been over in a step S1511, and in case
of the game over, the game is ended. If it is determined that the
game is not over, the process returns to the step S1504 so as to
repeat the game process.
[0182] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the digital button defining
process in the step S1501 of the main routine in FIG. 22. In this
digital button defining process, a definition of a process carried
out in a case that the R switch 109 (digital) becomes turned on (in
a case that "R" in FIG. 21 becomes "1") is executed. In this
embodiment, there are two selection items, that is, the turbo
process and the braking process, and the player can arbitrarily
select either one of the two (it may be also possible to select
from more than three selection items). Note that since the turbo
process and the braking process are a process in association with
an acceleration control (steps S1806, S1807, and S1808 in FIG. 25)
defined to the R switch 109 (analog), it is possible to carry out a
plurality of operations (acceleration and turbo or acceleration and
brake) associated only with the operation of the R switch 109 by a
single switch. Furthermore, it is possible to facilitate the
operation and increase a level of a taste or savor if the player
can set the definition of the R switch 109 (digital).
[0183] Firstly, an input process to select either one of the turbo
process or the braking process by the player is carried out in a
step S1601. After the step S1601, it is determined whether or not
the player selected the turbo process or whether or not the player
selected the braking process in steps S1602 and S1604. If it is
determined that the turbo process is selected in the step S1602,
the digital button definition process is ended after an address in
which a program of the turbo process is stored in a definition area
of the R switch 109 (digital) is stored in a step S1603. In
addition, if it is determined that the braking process is selected
in the step S1604, the digital button definition process is ended
after the address in which a program of the braking process is
stored in a definition area of the R switch 109 (digital) is stored
in the step S1605.
[0184] FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the starting process in the step
S1502 of the main routine in FIG. 22. A staging process at a time
of staring the race game is carried out in the starting process.
Firstly, in a step S1701, it is determined whether or not a start
button 116 is depressed (whether "START" is "1" or not in FIG. 21).
While the start button 116 is not depressed, the process of the
step S1701 is repeated. If it is determined that the start button
116 is depressed, the process proceeds to a step S1702 so as to
carry out an engine igniting display process. More specifically, a
process for displaying an image in which the engine of own machine
is ignited is carried out. After the step S1702, a signal to turn
on the vibration motor 117 (no brake) is produced in a step S1703.
By rendering the on signal of the vibration motor 117 a signal
without brake in the step S1703, it is possible to reproduce a
vibration in a more real manner when the engine starts. The
starting process is ended after the step S1703.
[0185] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the speed changing process in the
step S1505 of the main routine in FIG. 22. In the speed changing
process, a process for changing the speed of the own machine is
carried out based on the operating information of the R switch 109.
Firstly, in a step S1801, it is determined whether or not the R
switch 109 (digital) is on (whether or not "R" in FIG. 21 is "1").
If determined that it is on, a stored content of the definition
area of the R switch 109 (digital) is referred to in steps S1802
and S1804, and if the turbo process is set, the process proceeds to
a step S1809 after the turbo process described later by referring
to FIG. 28 is carried out in a step S1803. In addition, in a case
that the braking process is set, the process proceeds to the step
S1809 after the braking process described later by referring to
FIG. 29 is carried out in a step S1805.
[0186] If it is determined that the R switch 109 (digital) is not
turned on in the step S1801, the process proceeds to a step S1806
so as to determine whether or not there is an output of the R
switch 109 (analog) (whether or not "R Analog" in FIG. 21 is equal
to or more than 1). If determined that there is the output, the
process proceeds to the step S1809 after setting a value
multiplying a constant value a to the output value of the R switch
109 (analog) (a value of "R Analog" in FIG. 21) as an acceleration
in a step S1807. Note that the constant value a is appropriately
set in light of a balance of the game. If it is determined that
there is no output of the R switch 109 (analog) in a step S1806,
the process proceeds to the step S1809 after setting the
acceleration to 0 in a step S1808. A speed of the own machine is
calculated based on the set acceleration and the speed of last time
in the step S1809.
[0187] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the collision process in the step
S1508 of the main routine in FIG. 22. In this collision process, it
is determined whether or not the own machine collides with the
enemy machine or an obstacle. In a case of the collision therewith,
a staging process with respect to the collision is carried out.
Firstly, it is determined whether or not the own machine collides
with the enemy machine or the obstacle in a step S1901.
Specifically, carried out by comparing a coordinate of the own
machine and the coordinate of the enemy machine or the obstacle. If
it is determined that there is no collision, the colliding process
is ended. If it is determined that there is the collision, an image
for showing a collision state is displayed in a step S1902. After
the step S1902, it is determined whether or not the collision is a
big collision in a step S1903. Herein, the big collision refers to
cases of being collided with the enemy machine or the obstacle at a
high speed or being collided head-on. If the big collision is
determined, an on signal of the vibration motor (no brake) is
produced in a step S1904. By rendering the signal produced in the
step S1904 a signal without brake, a vibration of a case where a
collision energy is large is reproduced in a real manner. The
collision process is ended after the step S1904.
[0188] If it is determined not a big collision in the step S1903,
the on signal of the vibration motor (with brake) is produced in a
step S1905. By rendering the signal produced in the step S1905 a
signal with brake, a vibration of a case where the collision energy
is small is reproduced in a real manner. Note that it may be
possible that the signal produced in the step S1905 is a signal
having a smaller amount of vibration of the vibration motor 117
than the signal produced in the step S1904. The collision process
is ended after the step S1905.
[0189] FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the attacking process in the step
S1509 of the main routine in FIG. 22. In the attacking process, a
process in which a machine gun and a pistol are fired against the
enemy machine is carried out. Firstly, it is determined whether or
not the A button 103 (digital) is depressed (whether or not "A" in
FIG. 21 is "1") in a step S2001. If it is determined that the A
button 103 (digital) is depressed, an image for showing a state in
which the machine gun is fired is displayed in a step S2002. After
the step S2002, the on signal of the vibration motor (without
brake) is produced in a step S2003. By rendering the signal
produced in the step S 2003 a signal without brake, an impact when
firing the machine gun is reproduced in a real manner. The process
proceeds to a step S2007 after the step S2003.
[0190] If it is determined that the A button 103 (digital) is not
depressed in the step S2001, it is determined whether or not the B
button 104 (digital) is depressed (whether or not "B" in FIG. 21 is
"1") in a step S2004. If it is determined that the B button 104
(digital) is not depressed, the attacking process is ended. If it
is determined that the B button 104 (digital) is depressed, an
image showing a state in which the pistol is fired is displayed in
a step S2005. After the step S2005, the on signal (with brake) of
the vibration motor is produced in a step S2006. By rendering the
signal produced in the step S2006 a signal with brake, it is
possible to reproduce an impact when firing the pistol in a real
manner. Note that the signal produced in the step S2006 may be a
signal having a smaller amount of vibration of the vibration motor
117 than the signal produced in the step S2003. The process
proceeds to the step S2007 after the step S2006.
[0191] It is determined whether or not the machine gun or the
pistol hits the enemy machine in the step S2007. If it is
determined that the target is not hit, the attacking process is
ended. If it is determined that the target is hit, the attacking
process is ended after carrying out a hitting process (process to
give a damage to the enemy machine) in a step S2008.
[0192] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the turbo process in the step
S1803 of the speed changing process in FIG. 25. In a step S2101,
300.times.a is set as an acceleration, and then the turbo process
is ended. Since a maximum output value of the R switch 109 (analog)
is 255, it becomes to set the acceleration larger than a case of
depressing the R switch 109 (analog) at a maximum amount. Note that
in a case that 255.times.a is set as the acceleration, and the R
switch 109 (digital) becomes turned on in the step S2101, it may be
possible that an acceleration equal to an maximum output value of
the R switch (analog) is set. In doing so, it is possible to keep
an output with respect to an maximum operation at an constant value
in a case that there is a deviation or error in the output of the
analog switch.
[0193] FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the braking process in the step
S1805 of the speed changing process in FIG. 25. In a step S2201,
-50.times.a is set as an acceleration, and then the braking process
is ended.
[0194] Next, descriptions are made with respect to a boxing game
which is another embodiment of the present invention by referring
to FIG. 30 to FIG. 32. In the boxing game of this embodiment, a
player moves and controls a player boxer (boxer operated by the
player) by operating the main analog joystick 112 of the controller
1, and delivers a right punch by operating the R switch 109. When
the R switch 109 (digital) becomes turned on, the right punch is
delivered. However, kinds of punches (jab or straight) are changed
according to a state of the R switch 109 (analog) before which the
R switch 109 (digital) becomes turned on. When the L switch 115
(digital) becomes turned on, a process to deliver a left punch is
carried out similar to the right punch.
[0195] FIG. 30 to FIG. 32 are flowcharts of a program carried out
in the CPU 21. FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a main routine. Upon
starting the game, an initializing process is first carried out in
a step S2301. A process in which 1, for example is set to a
variable n and other processes are carried out. Herein, the
variable n is a variable used in an attacking process described
later by referring to FIG. 31. After the step S2301, operating data
of the controller 1 is read in a step S2302. More specifically, a
process similar to the aforementioned step S1504 is carried out.
Note that a format (b) in FIG. 21 is used of this embodiment.
[0196] After the step S2302, a moving process of the player boxer
is carried out in a step S2303. More specifically, a moving process
of the player boxer is carried out based on the operating
information of the main analog joystick 112 (value of "Main Analog
X" and "Main Analog Y" in FIG. 21). If the value of the Main Analog
X is plus (+), the player boxer is caused to move to a right
direction according to the value, if the value of the Main Analog X
is minus (-), the player boxer is caused to move to a left
direction according to the value, if the value of the Main Analog Y
is plus (+), the player boxer is caused to move to a forward
direction according to the value, and if the value of the Main
Analog Y is minus (-), the player boxer is caused to move to a
backward direction according to the value, for example.
[0197] After the step S2303, an attacking process described later
by referring to FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 is carried out in a step S2304.
After the step S2304, other processes are carried out in a step
S2305. More specifically, a moving process of the enemy boxer, an
attacking process, an image process, a sound process, and etc. are
carried out.
[0198] After the step S2305, it is determined whether or not the
game is over in a step S2306. If it is determined that the game is
over, the game is ended. If it is determined that the game is not
over, the process returns to the step S2302 so as to repeat the
game process.
[0199] FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the attacking process of the
player boxer in the step S2304 of the main routine in FIG. 30. In
this attacking process, a process to change kinds of the punches is
carried out based on the operating data of the R switch 109 ("R"
and "R Analog" shown in FIG. 21). In the attacking process, the
variable n is a variable to be incremented one frame by one frame
in a period that the R switch 109 (digital) is turned off, and an
index variable for storing an operating state of the R switch 109
(complete depressing state, half depressing state or releasing
state) for each frame into P(n). In this embodiment and other
embodiments, data of the controller 1 is received one frame by one
frame in synchronism with a television frame. However, it is
possible for a programmer to arbitrarily set a reception timing of
the controller data. In this case, the variable n is incremented at
every time that the controller data is received.
[0200] In addition, a variable t is a variable for decreasing the
index variable for determining a past operating state of the R
switch 109. A constant T is a natural number representing a
predetermined period (several ten frame periods, for example), and
an appropriate value is set therefor in view of a game balance.
[0201] At first, a state of the R switch 109 is detected, and a
process to store the state is carried out in the step S2401.
Descriptions are specifically made by using FIG. 32. First, it is
determined whether or not the R switch 109 (digital) is turned on
(R switch 109 is completely depressed, that is, a state in which
the R switch 109 is completely forced down) in a step S2501. If the
R switch 109 (digital) is turned on, the variable P(n) is rendered
0 in a step S2502, and the process proceeds to a step S2402. The
process proceeds to a step S2503 if the R switch 109 (digital) is
turned off in the step S2501. It is determined whether or not an
output value of the R switch 109 (analog) is 0 (specifically, it is
determined whether or not a value of "R Analog" shown in FIG. 21 is
0) in the step S2503. If the output value of the R switch 109
(analog) is not 0 (R switch 109 is half depressed), the variable
P(n) is rendered 1 in a step S2504, and the process proceeds to the
step. S2402. If the output value of the R switch 109 (analog) is 0
(R switch is released) in the step S2503, the variable P(n) is
rendered 2 in a step S2505, and the process proceeds to the step
S2402.
[0202] It is determined whether or not the variable P(n) is equal
to 0 (R switch 109 is completely depressed) in the step S2402, and
if the variable P(n) is coincident with 0, the process proceeds to
a step S2403 so as to set the variable t to 0. After the step
S2403, it is determined whether or not n-t is equal to or less than
1 in a step S2404, if n-t is not less than (<) 1, the process
proceeds to a step S2405. In the step S2405, it is determined
whether or not P(n-t) is coincident with 2 (that is, it is
determined whether or not the operating state of the R switch 109
at a frame before t frames is a releasing state), and if P(n-t) is
not equal to 2, the process proceeds to a step S2406. In the step
S2406, it is determined whether or not t is coincident with T
(predetermined period), and if t is not coincident with T, the
process proceeds to a step S2407, and then returns to the step
S2404 after incrementing t.
[0203] The process proceeds to a step S2408 if n-t is less than
(<) 1 in the step S2404, and further proceeds to a step S2411
not delivering the punch. This process is carried out to prevent
not to deliver an exact punch movement when a period from when the
punch is delivered last time until when the R switch 109 is
completely depressed this time is shorter than T. Although no punch
was to be delivered for a predetermined time of this embodiment, in
a case of displaying the punch action in an animation manner, it
may be possible to arrange that a next punch is not to be delivered
until an animation display is ended.
[0204] The process proceeds to a step S2409 if P(n-t) is equal to
(=) 2 in the step S2405, the CPU 21 outputs to the coprocessor 22 a
command to generate image data in which the player boxer delivers a
straight punch, and then proceeds to the step S2411. To be
described more specifically, if there is a period during which the
R switch is released within the T frame period before the player
completely depresses the R switch 109 (that is, the R switch 109
becomes a completely depressing state from a releasing state), the
player boxer delivers the straight punch.
[0205] The process proceeds to a step S2410 if t is equal to (=) T
in the step S2406, and the CPU 21 outputs to the coprocessor 22 a
command to generate image data in which the player boxer delivers a
jab, and then proceeds to a step S2411. More specifically, if there
is no period during which the R switch is released within the T
frame period before the player completely depresses the R switch
109, that is, the R switch is left in a half-depressing state
during the T frame period (that is, the R switch has become a
half-depressing state to a complete depressing state), the player
boxer strikes the jab. The process proceeds to the step S2305 after
resetting the variable t to 0 and the variable n to 1 in the step
S2411.
[0206] If the variable P(n) is not equal to (=) 0 (R switch 109 is
not completely depressed) in the step S2402, the process proceeds
to a step S2412. In the step S2412, the variable n is incremented
by 1, and the process proceeds to the step S2305. Therefore, it
continues to store data of the operating state (whether complete
depressing or half depressing or releasing) of the R switch 109
until the R switch 109 is completely depressed.
[0207] If the game shown from FIG. 30 to FIG. 32 is executed as
described above, an attacking process to deliver the straight
(punch) is applied after delivering the jab in a case that after
the player half-depresses the R switch 109 for a while, and
completely depresses, and thereafter, the player removes a finger
so as to release the R switch, and completely depresses the R
switch 109 instantly, for example. According to this embodiment, it
is possible to perform a plurality of controls based on operations
of a single switch (R switch 109), thus enabling to apply a
complicated control by a simple operation.
[0208] Note that with respect to a left hand attack, by using the L
switch 115, it is possible to apply a control similar to the right
hand attack.
[0209] Next, descriptions are made regarding a fighting game which
is another embodiment of the present invention by referring to FIG.
33 to FIG. 35. In the fighting game of this embodiment, the player
controls a movement of a character of a fighter (hereinafter
briefly referred to as "player character") by operating the main
analog joystick 112 of the controller 1, and controls delivering a
technique by operating the R switch 109 (analog). In a case that
delivered technique hits an enemy fighter character controlled by
the computer, a damage is done to the enemy fighter character, and
in a case that the technique delivered by the enemy fighter
character hits the player character, the damage is done to the
player character. Then, this is a game in which one of either side
which accumulates a damage more than a constant value is lost.
[0210] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a main routine. Upon starting the
game, an initializing process is first carried out in a step S2601.
More specifically, a process to render a variable t 0, and a
variable n 1 is carried out. Herein, the variable t and the
variable n are variables used in a technique process described
later by referring to FIG. 34. After the step S2601, a process to
read out operating data of the controller is carried out in a step
S2602. After the step S2602, the technique process described later
by referring to FIG. 34 is carried out in a step S2603.
[0211] After the step S2603, other processes are carried out. More
specifically, a technique that the enemy fighter character delivers
is determined, and it is determined whether or not the technique
delivered by the enemy fighter character hits the player character.
If being hit, a damage on the player character is calculated.
Furthermore, an image process and a sound process are carried out.
After a step S2604, it is determined whether or not the game is
over in a step S2605, and if it is determined that the game is
over, the game is ended. If it is determined that the game is not
over, the process returns to the step S2602 so as to repeat the
game process.
[0212] FIG. 34 is a flowchart of the technique process in the step
S2603 of the main routine in FIG. 33. In the technique process, an
operating state of the R switch 109 (complete depressing,
half-depressing, or releasing state) is detected, and a history of
the operating state is stored, and thereby to carry out a process
to determine a technique to be delivered according to the history.
In the technique process, the variable t is a variable for
measuring a period during which the state of the R switch 109
remains unchanged (a period during which a state of the complete
depressing continues, a period during which a half-depressing
continues, or a period during which a releasing state continues).
In addition, the variable n is an index variable for storing the
history of the operating state of the R switch 109 into P(n). The
constant T is a natural number representing a predetermined period
(several ten frames of periods), and an appropriate value is set
therefor in view of a game balance.
[0213] Firstly, an R switch state detecting process similar to FIG.
32 in the aforementioned embodiment is carried out in a step S2701.
An operating state of the R switch 109 is detected by this process.
After the step S2701, it is determined whether or not P(n) is equal
to (=) P(n-1) in a step S2702. That is, it is determined whether or
not a present operating state of the R switch 109 (P(n)) is
coincident with the operating state of the R switch 109 of last
time (P(n-1)). If it is determined that it is not coincident, the
process proceeds to a step S2703 so as to reset the variable t to
0. After the step S2703, a process to increment the variable n is
carried out in a step S2704. The process proceeds to a step S2708
after the step S2704.
[0214] If it is determined that the operating state (P(n)) of the
present R switch 109 and the operating state (P(n-1)) of the R
switch 109 of last time are coincident with each other in the step
S2702, the process proceeds to a step S2705 so as to carry out a
process to increment t. After the step S2705, it is determined
whether or not t is greater than T (predetermined period) (t>T)
in a step S2706. That is, it is determined whether or not there is
any change to the operating state of the R switch 109 for a
constant time (T) period. If it is determined that t is not greater
than T, the process proceeds to the step S2708. If it is determined
that t is greater than T (t>T), the process proceeds to a step
S2707 so as to reset the variable n to 1. That is, the index of the
operating history is reset to 1. After the step S2707, the process
proceeds to the step S2708.
[0215] A technique pattern table as shown in FIG. 35 is referred to
in the step S2708. On the technique pattern table, a technique
number, an operating history pattern, an attacking power, and data
of a technique image are stored. The technique number is a number
applied to the kinds of techniques. An operating history of the R
switch 109 to deliver the technique is defined to the operating
history pattern. If the R switch 109 is operated in order of
"complete depressing" to "half depressing", for example, a
technique 1 is delivered. Likewise, if the R switch 109 is operated
in order of "half depressing" to "complete depressing", a technique
2 is delivered. Note that as described before, in a case that the
state of the R switch 109 remains unchanged for a constant period
(T), the variable n is reset (operating history is reset), and
therefore, it requires to carry out a following operation within
the constant period (T). It is also possible to define three or
four histories like a technique 3 or a technique 4 (it is also
possible to define more than five histories). Note that although
only four kinds of the technique are defined in FIG. 35, it is
possible to define as many techniques as possible.
[0216] In the step S2708, P (1)-P(n), that is, the history that the
player actually operated are compared with the operating history
pattern on the technique pattern table. After the step S2708, it is
determined whether or not P (1)-P(n) is coincident with one of the
techniques of the operating history patterns out of the technique
pattern table in a step S2709. If it is determined that none of the
operating history pattern of the techniques is coincident, the
technique process is ended. If it is determined that any one of the
operating history pattern of the techniques is coincident, the
process proceeds to a step S2710 so as to carry out a technique
delivering process. More specifically, a technique image display
(based on the technique image data defined on the technique pattern
table), a hitting judgment of the delivered technique, and in
addition, a damage process of the enemy fighter character (based on
the attacking power data defined on the technique pattern table)
are carried out. After the step S2710, t is reset to 0 and the
variable n is reset to 1 in a step S2711. After the step S2711, the
technique process is ended.
[0217] The R switch 109 of the embodiment has a function as a
digital switch and a function as an analog switch. Furthermore,
since the digital switch accompanies a click sensation, the player
can clearly recognize a complete depressing state by sensing the
click sensation in a case of the complete depressing. That is, it
is possible for the player with ease to clearly distinguish three
states, that is, the releasing state, the half-depressing state,
and the complete depressing. In a conventional switch, a state
which the player could clearly distinguish was only two states,
that is, the releasing state and the depressing state. In contrast
thereto, in a game which uses the R switch 109 of the embodiment of
the present invention, there is a versatility with respect to a
functioning state because it is possible to clearly distinguish the
three states, thus allowing to apply various game effects according
thereto. In addition, in a case that the process is changed
according to the operating history as of this embodiment,
versatility is brought about with respect to a combination of the
operating history, thus possible to increase savor or taste of the
game.
[0218] Next, a gun game which is another embodiment of the present
invention is described by referring to FIG. 36 to FIG. 42. In the
gun game of this embodiment, the player controls a movement of a
player character in possession of a gun by operating the main
analog joystick 112 of the controller 1, and controls to fire the
gun by operating the R switch 109. Herein, in a case that the R
switch 109 (digital) becomes turned on (a state of complete
depressing), a process to fire the gun is carried out. In a case
that before the R switch 109 (digital) becomes turned on and the R
switch 109 (analog) is being in operation (a state of
half-depressing), the gun is not fired, however, an action display
in which the gun is held is carried out. In a case that a bullet
hits an enemy character controlled by the computer, a damage is
applied to the enemy character.
[0219] FIG. 36 is a flowchart of a main routine. In starting the
game, firstly, reading of the operating data of the controller is
carried out in a step S2901. After the step S2901, a gun firing
process described later by referring to FIG. 37 is carried out in a
step S2902. After the step S2902, a gun holding process described
later by referring to FIG. 38 is carried out in a step S2903. After
the step S2903, a moving process described later by referring to
FIG. 41 is carried out in a step S2904. After the step S2904, an
enemy process described later by referring to FIG. 42 is carried
out in a step S2905. After the step S2905, other processes are
carried out in a step S2906. More specifically, an image process, a
sound process, and etc are carried out. After the step S2906, it is
determined whether or not the game is over in a step S2907. If it
is determined that the game is over, the game is ended. If it is
determined that the game is not over, then the process returns to
the step S2901 so as to repeat the game process.
[0220] FIG. 37 is a flowchart of the gun firing process in the step
S2902 of the main routine shown in FIG. 36. Firstly, in a step
S3001, it is determined whether or not the R switch 109 (digital)
is turned on (more specifically, it is determined whether or not
"R" of the operating data shown in FIG. 21 is "1"). If it is
determined that the R switch is off, the gun firing process is
ended. If it is determined that the R switch is on, the process
proceeds to a step S3002 so as to display an image showing a firing
of the gun. After the step S3002, it is determined whether or not
the bullet hits the enemy in a step S3003. If it is determined that
the enemy is not hit, the gun firing process is ended. If it is
determined that the enemy is hit, the process proceeds to a step
S3004 so as to end the gun firing process after carrying out a
process to eliminate the enemy.
[0221] FIG. 38 is a flowchart of the gun holding process in the
step S2903 of the main routine shown in FIG. 36. Firstly, in a step
S3101, it is determined whether or not an output value of the R
switch (analog) is 0 (more specifically, it is determined whether
or not a value of the operating data "R Analog" shown in FIG. 21 is
0). If it is determined that the value is 0, the process proceeds
to a step S3102 so as to carry out a process to display an image A
shown in FIG. 39. That is, in a case that the R switch 109 is in a
releasing state, a display in which the gun is not to be raised at
all is shown. If it is determined that the output value of the R
switch 109 (analog) is not 0, the process proceeds to a step S3103
so as to determine whether or not the value is from 1 to 63. If it
is determined that the value is from 1 to 63, the process proceeds
to a step S3104 so as to carry out a process to display an image B
shown in FIG. 39. That is, in a case of a state where the R switch
109 (value of the "R Analog" is from 1 to 63) is slightly pressed,
a state in which the gun is slightly raised is displayed (image B
shown in FIG. 39). If it is determined that the output value of the
R switch 109 (analog) is not from 1 to 63 in the step S3103, the
process proceeds to a step S3105 so as to determine whether or not
the value is from 64 to 127. If it is determined that the value is
from 64 to 127, the process proceeds to a step S3106 so as to carry
out a process to display an image C shown in FIG. 39. That is, in a
case of a state in which the R switch is further depressed ("R
Analog" is from 64 to 127), a state in which the gun is further
raised is displayed (image C shown in FIG. 39).
[0222] Likewise, in steps S3107 and S3108, in a case of a state
where the R switch 109 is further depressed (value of the "R
Analog" is from 128 to 191), a state where the gun is further
raised is displayed (image D shown in FIG. 39). If it is determined
that the output value of the R switch (analog) is from 192 to 255
in a step S3109, a state where the gun is completely held (image E
shown in FIG. 39) is displayed, however, no bullet is fired unless
the R switch 109 (digital) becomes turned on. After displaying the
image A, B, C, D, or E, the gun holding process is ended.
[0223] Note that in addition to the action display by the player
character (image A to image E shown in FIG. 39) to hold the gun
corresponding to the output of the R switch 109 (analog), it may be
possible to display an action or operation in which a trigger of
the gun is pulled as shown in FIG. 40. In this case, in a state
that the R switch 109 (analog) is a releasing state, an image F is
displayed. In a state that the R switch 109 (analog) is depressed
approximately by half, an image G is displayed. In a state that the
R switch 109 (analog) is deeply depressed, an image H is
displayed.
[0224] Although images prepared in advance are used in this
embodiment, a new image may be generated according to a value of
the "R Analog". An example would include cases that an image in
which an amount of pulling the trigger of the gun is increased is
generated in proportion to an amount of the R switch 109 being
depressed, and etc.
[0225] FIG. 41 is a flowchart of the moving process in the step
S2904 of the main routine shown in FIG. 36. In the moving process,
a process to carry out a moving display of the player character
based on the operation of the main analog joystick is done.
Firstly, in a step S3401, it is determined whether or not there is
an output value of the main analog joystick 112 (more specifically,
it is determined whether or not either one of values of the
operating data "Main Analog X" or "Main Analog Y" shown in FIG. 21
is 0). If it is determined that there is no output value, the
moving process is ended. If it is determined that there is the
output value, a moving amount and a moving direction are determined
depending on the output value of the main analog joystick 112
(value of "Main Analog A", "Main Analog Y") in a step S3402.
[0226] After the step S3402, the process proceeds to a step S3403
so as to determine whether or not there is an output of the R
switch 109 (analog) (more specifically, whether or not the value of
the operating data shown in FIG. 21 "R Analog" is 0). In a case
that it is determined that there is no output, the process proceeds
to a step S3405. In a case that it is determined that there is the
output, a process to bring the moving amount determined in the step
S3402 to 1/2 is carried out in a step S3404. This is a case where
there is the output of the R switch 109 (analog), a movement
display in which the player character holds the gun (the image B to
the image E shown in FIG. 39) is shown, and therefore, in this
case, a process that the movement is not easy (movement amount is
small with respect to the operating amount) is carried out. After
the step S3404, the process proceeds to the step S3405. In the step
S3405, a process to display a movement of the player character in
accordance with the determined moving amount and the direction
amount is carried out.
[0227] FIG. 42 is a flowchart of the enemy process in the step
S2905 of the main routine shown in FIG. 36. In the enemy process, a
moving process of the enemy character is carried out. Firstly, in a
step S3501, a process to determine a moving amount and a moving
direction of the enemy character is carried out. The moving amount
and the moving direction are randomly determined based on the
random number, for example. After the step S3501, a movement
displaying process is carried out in a step S3502. More
specifically, a process displayed in a moving manner according to
the moving amount and the moving direction determined in the step
S3501 is carried out. After the step S3502, it is determined
whether or not there is an output of the R switch 109 (analog) in a
step S3503 (more specifically, whether or not the value of the "R
Analog" operating data shown in FIG. 21 is 0). If it is determined
that there is no output, the enemy process is ended. If it is
determined that there is an output, a displaying state of the enemy
character is brought into a state in which a feeling of "Do not
shot at me" is expressed (holding up a hand toward the player
character or lowering a head, and etc, for example). This is a case
where if there is the output of the R switch 109 (analog), a
movement display in which the player character holds the gun is
shown (image B to image E shown in FIG. 39), and therefore, in this
case, a savor or taste of the game is increased by showing a
display in which the enemy character is brought to responding to a
gun-holding movement.
[0228] The R switch 109 of this embodiment is provided with a
function as a digital switch and a function as an analog switch.
Furthermore, since the switch is structured in such a manner that
when the operation of the analog switch becomes maximum, the
digital switch is turned on in conjunction therewith, there is a
digital operation on an extension line of an analog operation. As a
result thereof, in a case of assigning a predetermined movement to
the digital switch as in this embodiment, it is possible to express
a fact on a screen that the player is about to depress the digital
switch by carrying out a movement display prior to a movement to
which the digital switch is assigned in accordance with the
operating amount of the analog switch. In a flag-raising game in
which red and white flags held by right and left hands are raised
in tune with a sign as a modified example of this embodiment, a
process to raise the flag is carried out when the R switch 109
(digital) becomes turned on. However, it is considered to display
that the flag is about to be raised in accordance with the
operating amount of the R switch 109 (analog). Furthermore, in a
boxing game, when the R switch (digital) is turned on, a process to
deliver a punch is carried out. However, as another modified
example, it is considered to carry out a moving display in which a
faint action is delivered in a case that the R switch 109 (analog)
is operated. In this case, a game program may be such a program
that the enemy boxer responds (escapes) in response to the faint
action. Moreover, in a fishing game, a process to cast a fishing
rod is carried out when the R switch 109 (digital) becomes turned
on. It is considered, as a still further modified example, to have
a game having a display in which the fishing rod is moved back and
forth in response to the operation of the R switch 109
(analog).
[0229] Next, descriptions are made with respect to a golf game
which is another embodiment of the present invention by referring
to FIG. 43 and FIG. 44. The golf game of this embodiment is a game
in which from a state that a player golfer (golfer character
operated by the player) swings back a golf club, upon the player
depresses the R switch 109 (digital), then the golf club is swing
down so as to hit a ball. The ball is driven out at an initial
velocity in proportion to a speed at which the R switch 109
(analog) is operated before the R switch 109 (digital) becomes on
is forced.
[0230] FIG. 43 and FIG. 44 are flowcharts of a program executed in
the CPU 21. FIG. 43 is a flowchart of a main routine. Upon starting
the game, firstly, an initializing process is carried out in a step
S3601 (changing a variable n to 1, and etc., for example). The
variable n is a variable used in a ball process described later by
referring to FIG. 44. After the step S3601, operating data of the
controller 1 is read out in a step S3602. Note that a format (b) in
FIG. 21 is used in the embodiment.
[0231] After the step S3602, the ball process described later by
referring to FIG. 44 is carried out in a step S3603. After the step
S3603, other processes are carried out in a step S3604. More
specifically, a moving process of the player golfer, an image
process, a sound process, and etc, are carried out. After the step
S3604, it is determined whether or not the game is over in a step
S3605. In a case that the game is over, the game is ended. If it is
determined that the game is not over, the process is returned to
the step S3602 so as to repeat the game process.
[0232] FIG. 44 is a flowchart of the ball process in the step S3603
of the main routine in FIG. 43. In the ball process, a moving
process of the ball which the player golfer hits. More
specifically, the moving process of the ball is carried out based
on the operating data of the R switch 109 (value of the "R" and "R
Analog" in FIG. 21). In particular, a process to determine a speed
at which the ball flies is carried out based on the value of "R
Analog". In the ball process, the variable n is a variable which is
incremented for each frame, and an index variable for storing an
output value of the R switch 109 (analog) of each one frame into
A(n). A variable Cr is an output value of the R switch 109 (analog)
("R Analog" shown in FIG. 21). A variable S is a variable for which
an operating speed of the R switch 109 (analog) is substituted.
[0233] Firstly, in a step S3701, it is determined whether or not
the R switch 109 (digital) is turned on (R switch 109 is completely
depressed). Unless the R switch 109 (digital) is turned on, the
process proceeds to a step S3702. The variable A(n) is substituted
by the output value of the Cr (an output value of the R switch
(analog). (More specifically, the value of the "R Analog" shown in
FIG. 21).
[0234] After the step S3702, the variable n is incremented by 1
(substitute n+1 for the variable n) in the step S3703, and the
process proceeds to the step S3604.
[0235] If it is determined that the R switch 109 (digital) is
turned on (R switch 109 is completely depressed) in the step S3701,
the process proceeds to a step S3704. It is determined whether or
not the variable n is less than 3 in the step S3704. If the
variable n is not less than 3 (equal to or more than 3), the
process proceeds to a step S3705. If the variable n is smaller than
3 (less than 3), the process proceeds to the step S3703, and
proceeds to the step S3604 after incrementing the variable n. This
process is carried out because unless the variable n is equal to or
more than 3, a velocity calculation in the step S3705 cannot be
done.
[0236] The variable S is substituted by A(n-1)-A(n-2) in the step
S3705. The variable S is a variable to represent a speed to depress
the R switch 109 (analog), and substituted by a numeric value that
an analog value (A(n-1)) of the R switch 109 of last frame is
subtracted by the analog value (A(n-2)) of the R switch 109 the
frame one before last. A reason why the analog value of the R
switch 109 of the present frame is not used is that the digital
switch of the R switch 109 is not necessarily turned on before the
analog value becomes maximum due to product structure, deviation in
product precision, and etc. In this embodiment, an operating speed
of the R switches 109 between the frame of one before last and the
frame of last time is detected, however, the speed of the R switch
109 may be detected at a different timing (an operating speed
between a frame of three frames before and the frame of one before
last, or an operating speed between a frame of three frames before
and the frame of last time, for example).
[0237] After the step S3705, it is determined whether or not S is 0
in a step S3706. If S is not 0, the process proceeds to a step
S3707. If S is 0, the process proceeds to the step S3703, and then
proceeds to the step S3604 after incrementing the variable n. This
process is carried out for allowing the player to perform a golf
swing once again when S is 0, that is, the speed between the frame
of the R switch 109 one before last and the frame of last time is 0
(when the R switch 109 is being depressed without interruption, the
player operates the R switch 109 irregularly, and etc., for
example).
[0238] An initial speed of the ball is determined based on the S in
the step S3707. The speed may be evaluated by using an equation
such as Sb (initial speed of the ball)=S.times.B (B is a value
determined based on a relationship between the value of S and the
initial speed of the ball), and etc., for example. If S is 50, set
the initial speed of the ball to 300 km/h, for example. After the
step S3707, image data for displaying the ball in accordance with
the initial speed is generated in a step S3708. After the step
S3708, the variable n is turned into 1 in a step S3709, and the
process proceeds to the step S3604.
[0239] If the game shown in FIG. 43 to FIG. 44 is carried out, a
ball at a high speed is driven out when the player quickly
depresses the R switch 109, and a ball at a slow speed is driven
out when the player slowly depresses the R switch 109. Therefore,
the player can swing the golf club while adjusting a force to hit
the ball. Accordingly, this makes it possible to realize a golf
game in which realistic sensation and changes abound.
[0240] Note that a golf club swing may be operated either in
synchronism with a movement of the R switch 109, or after the R
switch 109 (digital) is turned on.
[0241] Next, descriptions are made with respect to a shooting game
which is another embodiment of the present invention by referring
to FIG. 45 and FIG. 46. The shooting game of this embodiment is a
game in which a player makes a movement control of a player combat
plane (combat plane operated by the player) by operating the main
analog joystick 112 of the controller 1, and shoots a laser beam
when the player turns on the R switch 109 (digital) so as to attack
an enemy. The laser beam is different in power depending on an
operation amount of the R switch 109 (analog) before the R switch
109 (digital) is turned on. Although a combat plane game is shown
in this embodiment, the present invention is applicable to any game
in which to attack the enemy.
[0242] FIG. 45 and FIG. 46 are flowcharts of a program carried out
in the CPU 21. FIG. 45 is a flowchart of a main routine. Upon
starting the game, firstly, an initialization process is carried
out in a step S3801. Various processes are therein carried out such
as turning a variable n into 1, turning a variable PW into 0, and
etc., for example. The variable n and the variable PW are described
in detail later. After the step S3801, operating information of the
controller 1 is read out in a step S3802. Note that a format (b) in
FIG. 21 is used in this embodiment.
[0243] After the step S3802, a moving process of the combat plane
is carried out in a step S3803. More specifically, the moving
process of the combat plane is carried out based on the operating
information of the main analog joystick 112 (values of "Main Analog
X" and "Main Analog Y" in FIG. 21). If the value of the Main Analog
X is plus (+), the player combat plane is moved to a right
direction in accordance with the value, if the value of the Main
Analog X is minus (-), the player combat plane is moved to a left
direction in accordance with the value, if the value of the Main
Analog Y is plus (+), the player combat plane is moved upward, in
accordance with the value, and if the value of the Main Analog Y is
minus (-), the player combat plane is moved downward in accordance
with the value.
[0244] After the step S3803, an attacking process described later
by referring to FIG. 46 is executed in a step S3804. After the step
S3804, other processes are carried out in a step S3805. More
specifically, a moving process of an enemy object, an image process
of the player combat plane and other objects, and a sound process
of BGM, and etc are carried out.
[0245] After the step S3805, it is determined whether or not the
game is over in a step S3806, and if it is determined that the game
is over, then the game is ended. If it is determined that the game
is not over, the process returns to the step S3602 so as to repeat
the game process.
[0246] FIG. 46 is a flowchart of the attacking process of the
player combat plane in the step S3804 of the main routine in FIG.
45. In the attacking process, a process in which the laser beam is
fired is carried out in response that the R switch 109 (digital) is
turned on. At this time, the power of the laser beam is determined
based on the operating data of the R switch 109 (analog). In the
attacking process, a variable n is a variable which is incremented
for each frame while the R switch 109 (digital) is turned off, and
an index variable for storing an output value of the R switch 109
(analog) of each one frame into A(n). Cr is an output value of the
R switch 109 (analog) ("R Analog" shown in FIG. 21). A variable S
is substituted by a varying amount of the operation of the R switch
109 (analog). A variable PW is a variable which indicates the power
of the laser beam.
[0247] Firstly, it is determined whether or not the R switch 109
(digital) is turned on (R switch 109 is completely depressed) in a
step S3901. Unless the R switch 109 (digital) is turned on, the
process proceeds to a step S3902. The variable A(n) is substituted
by Cr in the step S3902.
[0248] It is determined whether or not the variable n is equal to
or less than 2 in a step S3903. Unless the variable n is equal to
or less than 2 (equal to or more than 2), the process proceeds to a
step S3904, and if the variable n is equal to or smaller than two
(less than 2), the process proceeds to a step S3906. This is a
process for preventing a state where no numeric value is present in
the variable A (n-1) as a result that n-1 becomes equal to or less
than 0 in a step S3904.
[0249] The variable S is substituted by A(n)-A(n-1) in the step
S3904. The variable S is a numeric value that an analog value of
the R switch 109 of the present frame is subtracted from the analog
value of the R switch 109 of the last frame, and represents an
amount of the R switch 109 being forced (or pushed back) in one
frame. After the step S3904, the variable PW is substituted by
PW+ABS (S) in a step S3905. The PW which indicates a power of the
laser beam increases in association that the player pushes and
pulls back the R switch 109 (analog) during a time from that the
player attacks the combat plane last time (from that the R switch
109 (digital) becomes turned on) and until present time. ABS (S)
stands for an absolute value of the variable S.
[0250] After the step S3905, the variable n is incremented by one
(substitute n+1 for the variable n) in the step S3906, and the
process proceeds to the step S3805.
[0251] If the R switch 109 (digital) is turned on in the step
S3901, the process proceeds to a step S3907. An attacking process
is carried out in accordance with a value of the variable PW in the
step S3907. There is a game in which the fighter planes shoot with
each other by the laser beam, a life point and a attacking power
are set for each fighter plane, the life point of the fighter plane
being attacked decreases in accordance with the attacking power of
the fighter plane attacked, the combat plane is blown out when the
life point becomes zero, and thus, the fighter plane to be blown
out is lost, and the fighter plane that blows out (the enemy) win,
for example. The variable PW of this embodiment is used for
determining the attacking power of the laser beam of this game. The
larger the variable PW, the higher the attacking power and sooner
to conquer the enemy, and the smaller the variable PW, the lower
the attacking power, thus requiring time to conquer the enemy.
However, in order to increase the variable PW, it needs to move the
R switch 109 for a long period by forcing, pushing back, and etc in
order that the R switch 109 (digital) does not become turned on (it
needs to move a index finger up and down as if in a clanging
manner). For a reason that there is a possibility to be attacked by
the enemy during that time, an outcome of the game may depend on
turning on the R switch 109 (digital) to what extent the variable
PW is increased.
[0252] After the step S3907, the variable n is rendered 1 in a step
S3908, and the process proceeds to a step S3805 after rendering the
variable PW 0.
[0253] As described above, the game shown in FIG. 45 and FIG. 46
can realize an unprecedented operating method in which the
attacking power to attack the enemy combat plane is changed by the
number of upward and downward movements (and the amount forced
into) of the R switch 109 by an index finger of the player in a
clanging manner. Furthermore, according to this present embodiment,
it is possible to provide a game having a good operability because
an operation to accumulate an energy (PW) (operate the R switch 109
(analog) in a clanging manner) and an operation to shoot or fire
(turn on the R switch 109 (digital)) can be implemented by the same
switch.
[0254] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *